Volume 2 - Professional Wrestling Holds

Transcription

Wrestling Moves Encyclopedia
BLOOD'N'GUTZ™
BLOOD'N'GUTZ™
Wrestling Encyclopedia
Table of Contents
Volume 1 – Professional Wrestling Attacks ......................................... 1
Volume 2 – Professional Wrestling Holds.......................................... 23
Volume 3 – Professional Wrestling Throws ....................................... 51
Volume 4 – Professional Wrestling Aerial Techniques ....................... 75
Volume 5 – Professional Wrestling Double-Team Maneuvers ........... 93
Volume 6 – Professional Wrestling Slang ........................................ 114
©1228788 Alberta Ltd.
BLOOD'N'GUTZ™
Volume 1 – Professional Wrestling Attacks ......................................... 1
1 Double axe handle
2 Back elbow
3 Bell clap
4 Big splash
o 4.1 Body avalanche
o 4.2 Lou Thesz press
o 4.3 Stinger splash
5 Bronco buster
6 Chops
o 6.1 Backhand chop
o 6.2 Forehand chop
o 6.3 Kesagiri chop
o 6.4 Mongolian chop
o 6.5 Overhead chop
7 Clothesline
o 7.1 Cactus clothesline
o 7.2 Short-arm clothesline
o 7.3 Flying clothesline
o 7.4 Corner clothesline
8 Crossbody
9 Crossfaces
10 Drops
o 10.1 Butt drop
o 10.2 Chop drop
o 10.3 Elbow drop
 10.3.1 Bionic elbow
 10.3.2 Spinning headlock elbow drop
 10.3.3 Bionic Elbow Drop
o 10.4 Fist drop
o 10.5 Forearm drop
o 10.6 Headbutt drop
o 10.7 Knee drop
 10.7.1 Knee drop bulldog
o 10.8 Leg drop
11 Elbow smash
12 Facewash
13 Forearm club
14 Forearm smash
o 14.1 Flying forearm smash
15 Headbutt
o 15.1 Battering ram
o 15.2 Trapping headbutts
16 Heart punch
17 Knee strikes
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17.1 Go 2 Sleep
17.2 High knee
17.3 Running knee
17.4 Shining Wizard
18 Hip attack
19 Kick
o 19.1 Backflip kick
 19.1.1 Corner backflip kick
o 19.2 Big boot
o 19.3 Bicycle kick
o 19.4 Dragon whip
o 19.5 Dropkick
o 19.6 Enzuigiri
o 19.7 Football kick
o 19.8 Jumping high kick
o 19.9 Legsweep
o 19.10 Mule kick
 19.10.1 Double mule kick
o 19.11 Overhead kick
o 19.12 Rolling wheel kick
o 19.13 Savate kick
o 19.14 Scissors kick
o 19.15 Shoot kick
o 19.16 Sole kick
o 19.17 Spin kick
o 19.18 Spinning heel kick
o 19.19 Stomp
 19.19.1 Double foot stomp
o 19.20 Superkick
o 19.21 Tiger Feint Kick
20 Lariat
o 20.1 Crooked arm lariat
o 20.2 Flying lariat
o 20.3 Lariat takedown
o 20.4 Leg lariat
21 Punch
o 21.1 Mounted punches
22 Slap
o 22.1 Palm strike
23 Senton
o 23.1 Standing corkscrew senton
o 23.2 Seated senton
o 23.3 Cannonball
24 Shoulder block
o 24.1 Chop block
o 24.2 Spear
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o 24.3 Turnbuckle thrust
25 Standing moonsault
26 Standing shooting star press
27 Stink Face
28 Uppercut
o 28.1 European uppercut
o 28.2 Knee lift
o 28.3 Throat thrust
29 Weapon shot
o 29.1 Chair shot
o 29.2 One man con-chair-to
o 29.3 El Kabong
30 Transition moves
o 30.1 Discus
o 30.2 Handspring
o 30.3 Rolling thunder
31 Illegal attacks
o 31.1 Asian mist
o 31.2 Biting
o 31.3 Eye poke
o 31.4 Eye rake
o 31.5 Fireball
o 31.6 Hangman
o 31.7 Low blow
 31.7.1 Testicular claw
Volume 2 – Professional Wrestling Holds.......................................... 23
1 Stretches
o 1.1 Head, face, and chin locks
 1.1.1 Anaconda vice
 1.1.2 Camel clutch
 1.1.2.1 Camel clutch sleeper
 1.1.2.2 Double chickenwing camel clutch
 1.1.2.3 Inverted facelock camel clutch
 1.1.2.4 Leg Hook Camel Clutch
 1.1.3 Chinlock
 1.1.4 Clawhold
 1.1.5 Cobra clutch
 1.1.5.1 Bridging cobra clutch
 1.1.6 Crossface
 1.1.6.1 Chickenwing over the shoulder crossface
 1.1.7 Front chancery
 1.1.7.1 Front sleeper
 1.1.8 Front facelock
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1.1.9 Full nelson
1.1.10 Half nelson
1.1.11 Inverted facelock
 1.1.11.1 Bite of the Dragon
 1.1.11.2 Stretch Plum
 1.1.12 Mandible claw
 1.1.13 Neck scissors
 1.1.14 Three-quarters face lock
 1.1.15 Three-quarter nelson
 1.1.16 Side headlock
 1.1.17 STF
 1.1.17.1 Cross leg STF
 1.1.17.2 Muta lock
 1.1.17.3 STS
o 1.2 Arm locks
 1.2.1 Armbar
 1.2.1.1 Crucifix armbar
 1.2.1.2 Tiger feint crucifix armbar
 1.2.1.3 Fujiwara armbar
 1.2.1.4 Head scissors armbar
 1.2.1.5 Scissored armbar
 1.2.1.6 Seated armbar
 1.2.2 Barely Legal
 1.2.3 Chickenwing
 1.2.3.1 Chickenwing arm lock
 1.2.3.2 Key lock
 1.2.3.3 Crossface chickenwing
 1.2.3.4 Double chickenwing
 1.2.3.5 Sitting double chickenwing
 1.2.3.6 Bridging grounded double chickenwing
 1.2.4 Hammerlock
 1.2.5 Wrist lock
o 1.3 Chokes
 1.3.1 Arm triangle choke
 1.3.2 Corner foot choke
 1.3.3 Cross arm choke
 1.3.4 Double choke
 1.3.5 Figure four necklock
 1.3.6 Guillotine choke
 1.3.7 Half nelson choke
 1.3.8 Koji Clutch
 1.3.9 Leg choke
 1.3.10 Rear naked choke
 1.3.11 Single arm choke
 1.3.12 Sleeper hold
 1.3.12.1 Arm-hook sleeper
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 1.3.12.2 Dragon sleeper
1.3.13 Thumb choke hold
1.3.14 Tongan death grip
1.3.15 Triangle choke
1.3.16 Two handed chokelift
o 1.4 Body locks
 1.4.1 Bear hug
 1.4.1.1 Side bear hug
 1.4.2 Body scissors
 1.4.3 Gutwrench
o 1.5 Back and torso stretches
 1.5.1 Abdominal stretch
 1.5.2 Backbreaker
 1.5.3 Boston crab
 1.5.4 Bow and arrow hold
 1.5.5 Gory special
 1.5.6 Octopus hold
 1.5.7 Surfboard
o 1.6 Leg locks
 1.6.1 Ankle lock
 1.6.2 Argentine leglock
 1.6.3 Cross kneelock
 1.6.4 Figure four leglock
 1.6.4.1 Ringpost figure four leglock
 1.6.4.2 Standing figure four leglock
 1.6.4.3 Kneeling figure four leglock
 1.6.5 Haas of Pain
 1.6.6 Inverted three quarter figure four leglock
 1.6.7 Damascus head-leglock
 1.6.8 Kneebar
 1.6.9 Indian deathlock
 1.6.9.1 Inverted Indian deathlock
 1.6.9.2 Reverse Indian deathlock
 1.6.10 Reverse figure four leglock
 1.6.11 Sharpshooter
 1.6.12 Spinning toe hold
 1.6.13 Texas cloverleaf
 1.6.13.1 Inverted cloverleaf
 1.6.13.2 Leglock cloverleaf
 1.6.13.3 Texas cloverleaf with armlock
2 Transition holds
o 2.1 Arm trap
o 2.2 Butterfly
o 2.3 Crucifix
 2.3.1 Reverse crucifix
o 2.4 Electric chair
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2.5 Fireman's carry
2.6 Gorilla press
2.7 Lady of the Lake
2.8 Mount
2.9 Pumphandle
2.10 Scoop
2.11 Straight jacket
2.12 Tilt-a-whirl
2.13 Wheelbarrow
3 Miscellaneous
o 3.1 Airplane spin
o 3.2 Armpit claw
o 3.3 Collar-and-elbow tie up
o 3.4 Fish hook
o 3.5 Giant swing
o 3.6 Skin the cat
o 3.7 Sunset flip
o 3.8 The Matrix
o 3.9 Tree of woe
Volume 3 – Professional Wrestling Throws ....................................... 51
1 Airplane spin toss
o 1.1 Spinning crucifix toss
2 Armbar takedown
3 Armbreaker
4 Arm drag
o 4.1 Japanese arm drag
o 4.2 Over-the-shoulder arm drag
o 4.3 Springboard arm drag
5 Arm wringer
6 Atomic drop
o 6.1 Inverted atomic drop
7 Backbreaker
8 Back body drop
o 8.1 Mountain Bomb
9 Body slam
o 9.1 Alabama slam
o 9.2 Biel throw
o 9.3 Chokeslam
o 9.4 Cobra clutch slam
o 9.5 Fireman's carry slam
o 9.6 Fireman's carry takeover
o 9.7 Fallaway slam
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9.8 Full nelson slam
 9.8.1 Sitout full nelson slam
o 9.9 Gorilla press slam
o 9.10 Gorilla press drop
o 9.11 Half nelson slam
o 9.12 Olympic slam
o 9.13 Pumphandle drop
 9.13.1 Pumphandle slam
 9.13.2 Pumphandle Michinoku driver II
 9.13.3 Pumphandle fallaway slam
o 9.14 Samoan drop
o 9.15 Scoop slam
o 9.16 Side slam
o 9.17 Spinebuster
10 Brainbuster
11 Bulldog
o 11.1 Cobra clutch bulldog
o 11.2 Half nelson bulldog
o 11.3 One-handed bulldog
o 11.4 Spinning bulldog
o 11.5 Cutter
12 Catapult
13 DDT
14 Death Valley driver
o 14.1 Inverted Death Valley driver
o 14.2 Side Death Valley driver
15 Driver
o 15.1 Blue Thunder driver
o 15.2 Electric chair driver
o 15.3 Fisherman driver
o 15.4 Half nelson driver
o 15.5 Michinoku driver II
o 15.6 Michinoku driver II-B
o 15.7 Samoan driver
o 15.8 Tiger driver
16 Electric chair drop
o 16.1 Electric chair bomb
17 Facebreaker
o 17.1 Facebreaker DDT
o 17.2 Facebreaker knee smash
 17.2.1 Double knee facebreaker
o 17.3 Hangman's facebreaker
18 Facebuster
19 Flapjack
o 19.1 Alley Oop
20 Giant swing
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21 Gutbuster
o 21.1 Double knee gutbuster
o 21.2 Elevated gutbuster
 21.2.1 Fireman's carry gutbuster
 21.2.2 Gorilla press gutbuster
 21.2.3 Gutbuster drop
o 21.3 Rib breaker
22 Headscissors takedown
o 22.1 Slingshot Headscissors takedown
o 22.2 Frankensteiner
 22.2.1 Reverse frankensteiner
o 22.3 Hurricanrana
23 Hip toss
24 Irish whip
25 Jawbreaker
o 25.1 Shoulder jawbreaker
o 25.2 Stunner
26 Mat slam
o 26.1 Sitout rear mat slam
o 26.2 Sleeper slam
o 26.3 Tilt-a-whirl mat slam
27 Monkey flip
28 Muscle Buster
29 Neckbreaker
30 Piledriver
31 Powerbomb
32 Powerslam
33 Shin breaker
34 Shoulderbreaker
35 Snake Eyes
36 Snapmare
o 36.1 Snapmare driver
37 Suplex
38 Iconoclasm
39 Trips and sweeps
o 39.1 Double leg takedown
o 39.2 Dragon screw
 39.2.1 Mandala hineri
o 39.3 Drop toe-hold
o 39.4 Half nelson legsweep
o 39.5 Russian legsweep
 39.5.1 Three-quarter facelock Russian legsweep
o 39.6 Schoolboy
o 39.7 STO
 39.7.1 Claw-hold STO
 39.7.2 Reverse STO
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Volume 4 – Professional Wrestling Aerial Techniques ........................ 75
1 Arm twist ropewalk chop
o 1.1 Arm twist ropewalk legdrop
2 Axe handle
3 Crossbody
o 3.1 Reverse crossbody
4 Diamond Dust
5 Diving bulldog
o 5.1 Springboard bulldog
6 Diving elbow drop
o 6.1 Axe handle elbow drop
o 6.2 Corkscrew elbow drop
o 6.3 Diving back elbow drop
o 6.4 Shooting star elbow drop
7 Diving fist drop
8 Diving headbutt
9 Diving hurricanrana
o 9.1 Dragonrana
o 9.2 Springboard hurricanrana
10 Diving knee drop
o 10.1 Calf branding
11 Diving leg drop
o 11.1 Moonsault leg drop
o 11.2 Diving leg drop bulldog
o 11.3 Somersault corkscrew leg drop
o 11.4 Somersault legdrop
o 11.5 Shooting star legdrop
o 11.6 Corkscrew shooting star legdrop
o 11.7 Corkscrew Kelvin spin/Dragon spinner
o 11.8 Springboard legdrop
12 Diving shoulder block
o 12.1 Diving spear
13 Diving stomp
o 13.1 Diving double foot stomp
o 13.2 Mushroom stomp
o 13.3 Moonsault double foot stomp
o 13.4 Shooting star double foot stomp
14 Flying clothesline
15 Flying back elbow
16 Flying neckbreaker
17 Flying spinning heel kick
18 Flying thrust kick
19 Frankensteiner
o 19.1 Reverse frankensteiner
20 Moonsault
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20.1 Moonsault slam
21 Missile dropkick
22 Plancha
23 Senton
o 23.1 630° senton
 23.1.1 Corkscrew 630° senton
o 23.2 Corkscrew senton
o 23.3 Imploding senton bomb
o 23.4 Seated senton
 23.4.1 Molly-Go-Round
o 23.5 Senton bomb
 23.5.1 High-Angle Senton Bomb
o 23.6 Shooting star senton
24 Shiranui
25 Shooting star piledriver
26 Splash
o 26.1 450° splash
 26.1.1 Corkscrew 450° splash
 26.1.2 Corkscrew splash
 26.1.3 Imploding 450° splash
o 26.2 Corner slingshot splash
o 26.3 Frog splash
o 26.4 Shooting star press
 26.4.1 Corkscrew shooting star press
 26.4.2 Springboard shooting star press
 26.4.3 Standing shooting star press
 26.4.4 Standing corkscrew shooting star press
27 Sunset flip
28 Transition move
o 28.1 Swan Dive
o 28.2 Grounding
o 28.3 Springboard
o 28.4 Slingshot
o 28.5 Shooting star
29 Modifiers
o 29.1 Ropewalk
o 29.2 Standing
o 29.3 Super
o 29.4 Suicide
30 Notes
31 See also
32 External links
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Volume 5 – Professional Wrestling Double-Team Maneuvers ........... 93
1 Aided brainbuster
2 Aided neckbreaker
o 2.1 Aided whiplash
o 2.2 Argentine rack, neckbreaker combination
o 2.3 Backdrop suplex, neckbreaker combination
o 2.4 Wheelbarrow facebuster, cutter combination
o 2.5 Dudley Death Drop
o 2.6 Fireman's carry, neckbreaker combination
o 2.7 Powerbomb, neckbreaker combination
o 2.8 Russian legsweep, neckbreaker combination
o 2.9 Gory Bomb, Cutter combination
3 Aided piledriver
4 Aided powerbomb
o 4.1 Aided superbomb
 4.1.1 Superbomb, neckbreaker slam combination
o 4.2 Powerbomb, diving attack combination
 4.2.1 Powerbomb, diving clothesline combination
 4.2.2 Powerbomb, diving legdrop combination
 4.2.3 Powerbomb, flying neckbreaker combination
 4.2.4 Powerbomb, missile dropkick combination
o 4.3 Powerbomb, shiranui combination
5 Aided splash
6 Aided suplex
o 6.1 Aided wheelbarrow suplex
7 Backbreaker hold, top-rope elbow drop combination
8 Backbreaker hold, top-rope legdrop combination
9 Battering Ram
10 Bearhug hold, attack combination
o 10.1 Hart Attack
o 10.2 Bearhug hold, flying crossbody combination
o 10.3 Bearhug hold, high kick combination
o 10.4 Bearhug hold, seated senton combination
o 10.5 Bearhug hold, superkick, jackknife pin combination
o 10.6 Bearhug hold, top rope legdrop combination
11 Con-chair-to
12 Doomsday Device
13 Double bulldog
o 13.1 Double cutter
14 Double chokeslam
15 Double clothesline
16 Double crucifix powerbomb
17 Double DDT
o 17.1 Double inverted DDT
o 17.2 Double shiranui
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18 Double dropkick
o 18.1 Double missile dropkick
19 Double drop toe-hold
20 Double elbow drop
21 Double fireman's carry
22 Double flapjack
23 Double hip toss
o 23.1 Catching hip toss
24 Double Russian legsweep
25 Double STO
26 Double submission
27 Double superkick
28 Double suplex
o 28.1 Double inverted suplex
o 28.2 Double slingshot inverted suplex
29 Elevated DDT
o 29.1 Backdrop suplex, inverted DDT combination
o 29.2 Flapjack DDT
o 29.3 Sidewalk slam, headlock takedown
30 Elevated jawbreaker
31 Elevated splash
32 High and low
o 32.1 Lariat, running chop block combination
o 32.2 Superkick, spinning leg sweep combination
o 32.3 Total Elimination
33 Leapfrog body guillotine
34 Leg drop, splash combination
35 Poetry in Motion
36 Prone low blow
o 36.1 Diving headbutt low blow
o 36.2 Diving leg drop low blow
37 Reverse STO, enzuigiri combination
38 Rocket Launcher
o 38.1 Assisted senton
39 Russian leg sweep, clothesline combination
40 Sidewalk slam, top-rope legdrop combination
41 Sky lift slam
42 Slingshot catapult, attack combination
o 42.1 Slingshot catapult, clothesline combination
o 42.2 Slingshot catapult, missile dropkick combination
o 42.3 Slingshot catapult, top rope bulldog combination
43 Spanish fly
44 Stack-superplex
45 STO, German suplex combination
46 STO, Russian legsweep combination
47 Superkick-plex
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48 Suplex 450 splash
49 Vertical suplex, flying attack combination
50 Wheelbarrow hold, top rope legdrop combination
51 Wishbone
Volume 6 – Professional Wrestling Slang .................................. 114
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Volume 1 - Professional Wrestling Attacks
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Attacking maneuvers in the kayfabe of professional wrestling are mainly used to wear down
an opponent for a submission hold or as a set up for a throw. There is a wide variety of attacking
moves in pro wrestling, and many moves are known by several different names. Professional
wrestlers frequently give their finishers new names. Occasionally, these names become popular
and are used regardless of the wrestler performing the technique.
Professional wrestling contains a variety of punches and kicks found in martial arts and other
fighting sports, listed below are moves more specific to wrestling itself. Many of the moves
below can also be performed from a raised platform (the top rope, the ring apron, etc) these are
called aerial variations.
1. Double axe handle
Also known as a Double Sledge, or Polish Hammer, this attack sees the wrestler clasp both his
hands together, and swing them at an opponent, hitting any part of them. The Polish Hammer
name comes from its most noted user, Ivan Putski.
The names for this move comes from the attack mimicking the motion seen when people swing a
sledgehammer or axe.
2. Back elbow
The wrestler stands with their back to a running opponent and thrusts out an elbow, which the
opponent runs into.
3. Bell clap
The attacking wrestler slaps both ears of an opponent simultaneously with the palms of his
hands, distorting their balance. Often used to escape a bearhug hold.
4. Big splash
Also known as a vertical splash, the big splash involves a wrestler jumping forward and landing
stomach first across an opponent lying on the ground below.
This move has been a mainstay in the movesets of heavier/larger wrestlers.
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4.1 Body avalanche
The wrestler charges into an opponent in the corner of the ring without leaving their feet,
crushing them into the turnbuckle. This is normally used by bigger, heavier wrestlers.
4.2 Lou Thesz press
This move which was popularized and subsequently named after Lou Thesz sees the attacking
wrestler jump towards a standing opponent and knock him over, resulting in the opponent lying
on his back with the attacking wrestler sitting on the opponent's chest, pinning him. Most
variations will see the attacking wrestler jump on a running opponent often followed by the
wrestler repeatedly striking the opponent in the face after mounting him using this maneuver.
This variation was first made popular by Stone Cold Steve Austin.
4.3 Stinger splash
This is an attack in which a wrestler runs at an opponent, who is resting in the turnbuckle, then
jumps forward so that he splashes his whole body stomach-first, squashing his opponent between
him and the turnbuckle. This move was named after its most noted user, Sting.
5. Bronco buster
This is a seated senton to an opponent who is resting on the bottom turnbuckle, popularized by
X-Pac, Rey Mysterio and Goldust. Goldust added pelvic thrusts to his version of the Bronco
buster.
The Bronco buster is normally treated as having comic or sexual connotations, rather than as a
legitimately painful move. It is often used by female wrestlers to excite the spectators.
6. Chops
6.1 Backhand chop
The act of a wrestler to slap the chest of his opponent with the palm of the hand using a
backhand swing.
Many wrestlers use this chop, often referring to it as a knife edge chop, but it more or less has
been popularized by Ric Flair. Flair's use has made it a tradition for fans to yell "Wooo!"
whenever any wrestler uses it.
6.2 Forehand chop
Sometimes referred to as a frying pan chop, or an openhand chop. The act of slapping the chest
of the opponent using the forehand.
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6.3 Kesagiri chop
A downward diagonal backhand chop to the side of the opponents neck.
6.4 Mongolian chop
The act of 'karate chopping' both the opponent's shoulders and sides of the neck with the hands'
edges in a swinging motion at the same time.
6.5 Overhead chop
Also known as a brain chop or tomahawk. The wrestler draws his hand back and hits the
opponent vertically with a backhand chop, hitting usually the head.
7. Clothesline
A move in which one wrestler runs towards another and extends his/her arm out from the side of
the body and parallel to the ground, knocking over the other as he/she runs by. This move is
often confused with a lariat.[1]
JBL's finisher is a type of clothesline in which he gets a running start (usually off the ropes) first
before hitting a high-impact clothesline, in which he swings his arm forward while running
toward his opponent. This move is best identified as the Clothesline from Hell.
7.1 Cactus clothesline
A clothesline used by Mick Foley that is named after his "Cactus Jack" gimmick.[2] The attacking
wrestler charges at an opponent who is against the ring ropes and clotheslines him/her, and the
force and momentum from the charge knocks both the wrestler and the opponent over the top
rope and onto the floor.[3]
7.2 Short-arm clothesline
This variation of the clothesline is set-up by Irish-whipping the opponent, but holding onto the
arm. When the arm is completely extended, the wrestler pulls the opponent back, and
clotheslines him with other arm.
7.3 Flying clothesline
While running towards an opponent, an attacking wrestler would leap up into the air, before
connecting with a clothesline. Another version sees an attacking wrestler leap up into the air and
connecting with a clothesline, onto an opponent leaning against the corner turnbuckle.
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7.4 Corner clothesline
A clothesline used by a wrestler where instead of knocking a standing opponent, the attacker
charges against a (usually groggy) opponent on the corner.
8. Crossbody
Also known as cross body block. A maneuver in which a wrestler jumps onto his opponent and
lands horizontally across the opponent's torso, forcing them to the mat and usually resulting in a
pinfall attempt.
There is also an aerial variation where wrestler leaps from an elevated position towards the
opponent. It is known as flying crossbody.
9. Crossfaces
This is an attack performed when a wrestler has a rear mount (sitting across the opponent's back)
and uses forearm shots across the opponent’s face.
10. Drops
Drops are moves in which wrestlers jump or fall down onto a person on the floor, landing with a
specific part of the body
10.1 Butt drop
See Seated senton
10.2 Chop drop
The wrestler either falls forward, or jumps up and drops down, hitting a laying opponent with a
backhand chop on the way down. The wrestler usually lands on his knees.
Scotty 2 Hotty's Worm is a chop drop preceded by a routine that involves Scotty hopping on one
leg four times (as the crowd chants W-O-R-M), doing worm dance moves towards the opponent
and swinging his arms just before hitting the chop drop, while his opponent lays motionless on
the mat.
10.3 Elbow drop
An elbow drop is a move in which a wrestler jumps down on an opponent driving his or her
elbow into anywhere on the opponent's body.
A common elbow drop sees a wrestler raise one elbow before falling to one side and striking it
across an opponent, another common elbow drop is the pointed elbow drop that sees a wrestler
raise both elbows up and drop directly forward dropping one, or both elbows onto the opponent.
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The Rock's People's Elbow is an elbow drop, preceded by a routine that involves The Rock
pulling off his elbow pad and throwing it into the audience, bouncing off the ropes, then lifting
one leg as if performing a leg drop, and hitting the elbow drop as his opponent lays motionless
on the mat.
Dusty Rhodes has used an elbow drop similar to the "People's Elbow". As he approached his
downed opponent he would grab his crotch, raise his elbow high and drop the elbow with as
much impact and dramatic effect as possible.
Many other professional wrestlers use an elbow drop in much the same fashion as (and often
referencing) The People's Elbow: Glenn Gilberti (Village People's Elbow), etc. The Blue
Meanie uses a leg drop variation, which he calls The People's Leg Drop.
10.3.1 Bionic elbow
This is a move in which a wrestler faces an opponent and smashes his elbow on to the top of the
opponents head, made famous by Dusty Rhodes.
10.3.2 Spinning headlock elbow drop
This is any elbow drop which is performed after applying a headlock, the most widely known
variation is an inverted facelock elbow drop in which a wrestler puts his opponent into a
inverted facelock, and then turns 180°, dropping the elbow across the opponent's chest, driving
him down to the mat. Another variation of this move sees the executer use their whole arm as a
lariat instead of just the elbow.
Muhammad Hassan previously used a front facelock variation of this move, calling it the
Finishing Touch.
10.3.3 Bionic Elbow Drop
This elbow drop made famous by "Stone Cold Steve Austin" is basically where the person does a
sort of diving elbow drop with the forearms and then hits the ropes, then makes a taunt,
traditionally the stone cold taunt, then he basically drops the elbow on the opponent. Also, some
usually he does this in a combination, such as where he does a Lou Thesz press and then does the
elbow drop.
10.4 Fist drop
A fist drop is a move in which a wrestler jumps/falls down on an opponent driving his fist into
anywhere on the opponent's body. The falling variation was commonly used by 'The Million
Dollar Man' Ted DiBiase, who would hit a downed opponent with multiple fist drops. It is also
used by John Cena but before the actual drop, he does his "You Can't See Me!" Taunt, Bounces
off the ropes, and dusts his shoulder off. This variation is called the Five Knuckle Shuffle.
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10.5 Forearm drop
A forearm drop is a move in which a wrestler jumps down on an opponent driving his forearm
into anywhere on the opponent's body.
10.6 Headbutt drop
A headbutt drop is a move in which a wrestler jumps down on an opponent driving his head into
anywhere on the opponent's body.
10.7 Knee drop
A knee drop is a move in which a wrestler jumps down on an opponent driving his knee into
anywhere on the opponent's body. It is often sold as more powerful if the wrestler bounces off
the ropes first.
Jesse James and Billy Gunn as the New Age Outlaws often strutted off the rope toward the knee
drop, often one after the other, in a move called the Shaky Knee Drop. James (now B.G. James)
still does the move.
10.7.1 Knee drop bulldog
A version of a knee drop that involves the wrestler placing one knee against the base of the
opponent's neck, who is leaning forward, then dropping. This forces the opponent's head down to
the mat, while landing on the opponent's upper body, and driving his knee to the neck of the
opponent.
There is also a diving version.
10.8 Leg drop
Main article: Leg drop
A move in which a wrestler will jump and land his leg across an opponent's chest, throat or face.
Most famously used by Hulk Hogan, who uses this as his finisher when wrestling in North
America, calling it the "Atomic Leg Drop."
11. Elbow smash
The wrestler delivers a punch, but tucks their hand into their chest so that their elbow and
forearm make contact instead of their fist.
12. Facewash
With an opponent sitting against the bottom corner turnbuckle, an attacking wrestler repeatedly
rubs the sole of their boot across the face of the opponent. This is usually followed by either a
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running front kick, a running knee, a running low yakuza kick, a low jumping single leg running
front dropkick or other strikes that first see the attacking wrestler rebound off the opposing ropes
and charge at the opponent.
The facewash name is closely associated with Samoa Joe, who popularized the move in
American wrestling, and with Shinjiro Otani, who originally popularized the move in Japan.
13. Forearm club
An attacking wrestler uses one hand to take hold of an opponent (by their head or hair) and lean
them forward while extending their other arm in a raised position and clenching the fist of that
hand before throwing the arm forward down onto the opponent; using their forearm and clenched
fist to club the opponent across the back of their head/neck. This will often send the opponent to
the mat front-first.
A lesser used version of this move can see the attacking wrestler take hold of an opponent and
lean them backwards to expose their chest area, allowing the attacking wrestler to club the chest
of the opponent and send them to the mat back-first.
14. Forearm smash
An attacking wrestler charges at the opponent with their arms out folded over each other, and
then hit the opponent in the chest to force them back and down to the mat. Sometimes, however,
it hits the opponent's chin or face.
14.1 Flying forearm smash
While running towards an opponent (usually after bouncing off the ropes), an attacking wrestler
would leap up into the air, before connecting with a forearm smash.
15. Headbutt
An attack where a wrestler uses his head to strike a part of the opponent's body, usually the head
or skull, to daze him. Unlike a legitimate headbutt, the pro-wrestling version most often impacts
with the opponent's forehead, counting on the superior hardness of the wrestler's head and the
momentum delivered to hurt the opponent without hurting the wrestler. The headbutt is most
often used by Samoan and Tongan wrestlers, who are generally portrayed in pro wrestling as
having hard heads. However, very large wrestlers, such as André the Giant, have also used
headbutts, counting on their sheer size to easily subdue their opponents.
15.1 Battering ram
The wrestler stands facing an upright opponent, lowers their head and then jumps or charges
forwards, driving the top of their head into the abdomen of the opponent. This move was made
famous by Harley Race. There is also a double-team version of the move.
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15.2 Trapping headbutts
The wrestler holds both the opponent's arms under his own, and delivers a series of headbutts to
his opponent, who is unable to counter. This attack was popularized in the United States by Al
Snow, whose fans would chant "Head" as he performed the maneuver.
16. Heart punch
This attack sees an attacking wrestler first lift up an opponent's arm, placing it in a wrist lock
behind the opponent's, to expose this opponent's chest. From here the attacking wrestler will
directly punch the opponent in their exposed chest around the heart area. In kayfabe this makes
the heart skip a beat and cause great pain to the opponent.
17. Knee strikes
Attacks where a wrestler will strike an opponent using their knees. The idea of using knees as an
offensive weapon is popular through out British wrestling.
17.1 Go 2 Sleep
Also spelt Go To Sleep or G.T.S. this move, named and innovated by KENTA, sees a wrestler
place an opponent in a fireman's carry and proceed to drop the opponent in front of them. While
the opponent is falling the wrestler quickly lifts a knee up, striking the opponent in the face.
An inverted variation is also used by KENTA which sees KENTA lift his opponent into an
Argentine backbreaker rack, throw his opponent forward, and have his knee connect with the
back of the head.
A modified version, named Go 2 Sleep 2.0, is used by Davey Richards which sees Richards lift
his opponent into a gorilla press, drop the opponent in front of him and as the opponent is falling
lifts his leg up kicking the opponent in the face with a stiff kick.
17.2 High knee
An attack in which a wrestler will charge towards their opponent, then raise their knee or jump
up so that their knee would hit the opponent usually into the side of the head, or face.
This move has been closely associated with Harley Race, often being referred to as a "Harley
Race style High Knee".
KENTA uses a dropkick-like variation named the Busaiku Knee Kick where he charges
towards the opponent and jumps up from his left foot, throwing his right leg and arms forward
while bending his left knee, striking the opponent in the head and/or upper chest region.
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17.3 Running knee
The wrestler charges towards an opponent striking them in the face/head with their knee. It is
often used while the opponent is usually seated or kneeling. The knee strike is usually forward
however some use a side knee strike. These are sometimes confused for Shining Wizards.
17.4 Shining Wizard
A strike delivered to an opponent down on one knee. After stepping off the opponent's raised
knee with one foot, the attacker swings his other leg and strikes the opponent's head with either
the side of his knee or his shin.
The move was innovated and named by Keiji Mutoh, who originally performed the move as a
high knee to the forehead of the opponent.
Gregory Helms uses an enzuigiri variation called the Shining Wizard, but does not step off his
opponent's knee. Arik Cannon's Glimmering Warlock also does not use a step off as he
approaches the opponent from behind.
18. Hip attack
Also known as a Thump this attack is usually performed with a running start, when wrestler
jumps into the air, spins around, and thrusts his pelvis backwards, thus hitting the opponent's
head or chest with his hip or buttocks. The move is also known as the Butt Butt and was made
famous by Iceman Parsons in World Class Championship Wrestling in the 80s as well as the tag
team The Killer Bees, who called it the Bee Stinger.
19. Kick
In violence, martial arts and sports, a kick is an attack using the foot, knee or leg to strike any
part of the opponent's body particularly in the head, shin, mid-section, etc.
19.1 Backflip kick
While the wrestler has his back to the opponent. The wrestler performs a standing backflip and
hits the opponent in the head with one or both their legs, with the wrestler usually landing on
their hands and/or feet facing downward. This maneuver is known for its use chiefly by Puroresu
Legend Keiji Mutoh and, more recently, A.J. Styles who calls it the Pelé kick after the famed
Brazilian footballer who popularised the bicycle kick in football.
19.1.1 Corner backflip kick
This move sees an opponent propped up in the corner as an attacking wrestler charges towards
them, running up the ropes (that are beside the opponent), or in some cases, up the opponent,
and, as they reach the top, kicking off this opponent's chest to perform a backflip so the wrestler
lands on their feet.
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19.2 Big boot
This is usually done with the opponent charging towards the wrestler, using the opponent's
momentum to deliver the wrestler's boot to the upper-body or head. This move is commonly
performed by tall wrestlers to enhance its view as a strong attack even though the wrestler
themselves are not moving and it's the opponent running into their foot, and due to that their
height makes it easy for their leg to reach the head of normal sized wrestlers.
When this move is performed with the wrestler charging towards an opponent it is referred to as
a Yakuza Kick, named by Masahiro Chono. Taking the naming convention in reference to the
organized crime groups, the move is also referred to as a Mafia Kick in the United States, and
Hooligan Kick in the United Kingdom.
19.3 Bicycle kick
An attacking wrestler jumps up and kicks forward with both feet in a pedaling motion with the
foot that gets lifted second being extended fully to catch a charging opponent directly in the face.
19.4 Dragon whip
This is a leg lariat or Spinning heel-kick move which is performed after an opponent catches the
leg of a wrestler who has attempted a kick of some sort (i.e. superkick or side kick), then while
the opponent throws the leg out away from himself the wrestler continues to spin all the way out
with his leg still extended to hit the leg lariat.
19.5 Dropkick
A dropkick is defined as an attack where the wrestler jumps up and kicks the opponent with the
soles of both feet, this sees the wrestler twist as they jump so that when the feet connect with the
opponent one foot is raised higher that the other (depending on which way they twist) and the
wrestler fall back to the mat on their side, or front. This is commonly employed by light and
nimble wrestlers who can take advantage of their agility.
19.6 Enzuigiri
The term Enzui refers to any attack that strikes the back of the head and giri is the American
pronunciation of geri which is a generic suffix referring to a kicking attack. Thus an enzuigiri
(often misspelled 'ensuigiri' or 'enzuiguri.') is any kick targeting the medulla oblongata. It is
usually associated with lighter weight class wrestlers, as well as wrestlers who have a martial arts
background or gimmick.
It is often a counter-move after a kick is blocked and the leg caught, or the initial kick is a feint
to set up the real enzuigiri attack.
In America, this maneuver was made famous by Bad News Brown, who called it The Ghetto
Blaster.
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Chris Adams' enzuigiri was often mistakenly called a superkick, which is another move entirely.
19.7 Football kick
Sometimes also referred to as a soccer kick. The wrestler kicks an opponent, who is sitting on
the mat, vertically to their back, with the foot striking the base of the spine, and the shin striking
the back of the head.
19.8 Jumping high kick
The wrestler jumps up and kicks the opponent to the side of their head. It is properly called a
gamengiri, but due to the similar nature can be confused for an enzuigiri.
19.9 Legsweep
The wrestler drops to one knee and extends their other leg, then quickly pivots their body around,
using their extended leg to knock away the opponent’s legs.
19.10 Mule kick
With the wrestler facing away from the opponent who is charging them. The wrestler bends
down and pushes out one foot striking the opponent with the bottom of it.
19.10.1 Double mule kick
Usually done with the wrestler facing away from the opponent, sometimes done in a corner,
wrestler jumps and kicks backwards with both legs to the opponent hitting them with both soles
of their feet. If acrobatically inclined, the wrestler can roll forward so they are standing after they
hit it.
19.11 Overhead kick
Similar to a Back Flip Kick this attack sees the wrestler either start by laying down or drops
down on the mat while the opponent standing near their head. The wrestler lifts a leg and kicks
up over their waist and chest, hitting the opponent with the top of their foot, usually in the head.
Can be used as a counter to an attack from behind. For example, a wrestler attempts a full nelson,
the wrestler breaks the opponent’s lock, falls to the canvas and kicks them in the face with their
foot.
19.12 Rolling wheel kick
Also known as a "Rolling Koppou kick" or "abisegiri" or "Spinning Wheel Kick" The wrestler
rolls towards a standing opponent, extending a leg which connects with the back, chest, or head
of the opponent.
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19.13 Savate kick
The most commonly used kick which is referred to as a "Savate kick" in wrestling is the chassé,
a piston-action kick, with the sole of the foot to an opponent's head or chin. This kick is in some
ways similar to, but not considered, a superkick.
19.14 Scissors kick
A version of a leg drop, which is performed on an opponent who is standing, bent over, usually
in the middle of the ring. This sees a wrestler bounces off the ropes, jumps -- driving his leg(s)
into the back of the head and the neck of the opponent, forcing them face first into the floor. Also
known as a Jumping Axe Kick, or a Butterfly Kick.
19.15 Shoot kick
A kickboxing-style kick with the shin (generally protected by a shinguard) striking an opponent's
face or chest. Originated in the Japanese UWF, used by many Japanese wrestlers and in shootstyle environments.
19.16 Sole kick
A thrust kick where the wrestler turns his torso away from the opponent while at the same time
lifting his leg horizontally and extending it forward, striking the opponent in the torso with the
sole of his foot.
A spin kick variation sees the wrestler spin around and then perform the sole butt kick with his
outer leg. Known as rolling sole butt kick in Japan.
There is also jumping variation where the wrestler jumps straight up, spins in the air, and then
delivers the sole butt with his outer leg. This variation targets the head of the opponent.
Tiger Mask and Ultimo Dragon use it as a part of their kick combination, which consists of a
shoot kick and a spin kick, followed by the jumping rolling sole butt kick.
19.17 Spin kick
A high kick which gains power and momentum from spinning in place. Similar to the spinning
heel kick or a reverse roundhouse kick, but the wrestler does not jump off the ground, making
the move a leg lariat of sorts. It is common to see this move executed after an opponent is irish
whipped off the ropes. In Mexico, it is known as La Filomena.
19.18 Spinning heel kick
Occasionally referred to as a Spinning Wheel Kick or Kneel Kick this usually involves the
wrestler spinning as they jump so that his or her body is somewhat horizontal, before hitting their
opponent with back of his or her leg(s) or heel(s) on the face, neck or chest.
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19.19 Stomp
Also known as a foot stomp, this attack sees a wrestler stamps his foot on any part of an (fallen)
opponent. One variation of the stomp called the Garvin Stomp, named after its innovator Ron
Garvin, sees a wrestler perform a series of stomps all over the body of a fallen opponent in the
order of left arm, left chest, left stomach, left upper leg, left lower leg, right lower leg, right
upper leg, right stomach, right chest, right arm, and finally the jaw
19.19.1 Double foot stomp
When a wrestler jumps and stamps both feet on any part of an opponent. Also known as a
double stomp.
19.20 Superkick
A high side thrust kick with the sole of the foot to an opponent's head or chin, usually preceded
by a sidestep, often referred to as a Shuffle side kick, Crescent Kick, or just a Side kick. The
wrestler will often slap their thigh to generate an appropriate sound effect. It is the equivalent of
the Sokuto Geri or Yoko Geri used in Karate.
19.21 Tiger Feint Kick
The Tiger Feint Kick, named after Tiger Mask, and innovated by Satoru Sayama, the original
Tiger Mask, is a move in which a wrestler jumps through the second and top rope while holding
on to the ropes, and uses the momentum to swing back around into the ring, and was originally
performed as a fake dive to make opponents and fans into thinking that the wrestler was about to
dive through the ropes to opponents outside the ring. This move requires high agility, and is
mainly used by smaller wrestlers in Japan and Mexico.
A variation of this move, innovated by Japanese wrestler MIKAMI, under the name Mickey
Boom, sees an opponent being hung over the second rope facing the outside, as MIKAMI swings
around back to the ring his feet would hit the prone opponent in the head. In the western world,
this version is best known as the 619 as named by Rey Mysterio in reference to the area code of
San Diego, Mysterio's hometown.
20. Lariat
In wrestling, a lariat is when an attacking wrestler runs towards an opponent, wraps his arm
around their upper chest and neck, and then forces them to the ground. This move is similar to a
clothesline,[4] the difference being that in a clothesline the wrestler's arm is kept straight to the
side of the wrestler during the move, while in the lariat the wrestler strikes their opponent with
his arm.
This move is a frequent finisher in Puroresu wrestling matches, as a homage to strong style
wrestling legend Stan Hansen who used the lariat as his finisher. Barry Windham also used the
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Lariat as a finsher in his days with the Four Horseman alongside Arn Anderson, Ric Flair, and
Sid Vicious.
A lariat to the back of the opponent's neck and shoulders is sometimes referred to as a northern
lariat or enzui lariat. A lariat where the wrestler doesn't run but simply strikes the opponent
while standing next to him is sometimes referred to as a short range lariat or a burning lariat.
The wrestler can also hold the opponent's head up before performing the lariat with his other
arm. A short-arm lariat is variation where the wrestler grabs one of the opponent's wrists with
his hand and pulls the opponent closer, striking him with the lariat with his other arm.
20.1 Crooked arm lariat
The crooked arm lariat is performed when an attacking wrestler runs towards an opponent with
the his arm bent upward at the elbow 60-90 degrees and wraps his arm around their head forcing
them to the ground.
Hulk Hogan uses this maneuver as a finisher while wrestling in Japan, and calls it the Axe
Bomber. This move is famous in Japan because Hogan accidentally knocked out Antonio Inoki
with it.
20.2 Flying lariat
The attacking wrestler first uses the ropes to build up speed. When speed is built the attacking
wrestler uses the speed to leap forward and wrap his/or her arm around the opponent's neck,
causing the power of the force to knock down the opponent, thus causing the attacking wrestler
to flip forward downward
20.3 Lariat takedown
The wrestler runs towards his opponent, wraps his arm around their upper chest and neck of the
opponent, and swings his legs forward, using his momentum to pull the opponent down with him
to the mat, on to their upper back. Also called bulldog lariat and Hart Attack.
20.4 Leg lariat
Also referred to as a jumping leg lariat or a running calf kick this attack is seen when an
attacking wrestler runs towards an opponent, jumps and wraps his leg around the opponent's
head/neck knocking the opponent to the ground.
Doug Basham and Slyk Wagner Brown are known for jumping higher than what is needed and
wrapping his lowest leg around the opponent's head forcing the opponent and himself to the
ground. Basham calls this variation the Last Impression. He would also land on the opponent in
a fashion not so different from a leg drop.
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21. Punch
A simple close-fisted punch, normally to the body or face of the opponent. Unlike most illegal
attacks, punches almost never result in disqualification. Instead, the referee simply admonishes
the wrestler to stop, usually to no effect. Punches are often used by both heels and faces.
However, when heel wrestlers perform the strike while either the opponent is not expecting it, or
when the referee is in some way distracted, it seems more devastating and often referred to as a
"cheap shot".
Punches to the head are much less tolerated in Japan, although punches to the body are accepted.
This also holds true for Ring of Honor's "Pure Wrestling" division.
21.1 Mounted punches
A common variation of the punch involves standing on the middle or top ropes and delivering
repeated punches to the face while the opponent is backed up against the turnbuckles. The crowd
tends to count the punches, which typically end at ten, provided they're not interrupted by the
opponent pushing the wrestler off the ropes. In some cases, with a prone opponent facing up or
down, the attacker can seat themselves on top and throw punches towards the head area in a
similar manner.
22. Slap
The wrestler delivers an overpowering backhand/open-hand slap to his/her opponent.
22.1 Palm strike
The wrestler delivers an open hand strike with the palm of their hand, usually to the chin of the
opponent.
23. Senton
Similar to a big splash, except the wrestler would jump over an opponent while falling
backwards to land back-first on the opponent. Often referred to as a Senton Splash, or Back
Splash in reference to the big splash as well as to differentiate from the senton's diving version.
Another slight variation on a standard senton sees the attacking wrestler jump forward and
perform a somersault (front flip) to land back-first on the opponent. This is appropriately known
as a Somersault Senton, but is also referred to as a Front Flip/Rolling Senton/Swanton
Bomb/Kenton Bomb/Sean-ton Bomb.
23.1 Standing corkscrew senton
This senton variation is performed by first executing a backflip, then spinning 180°, landing on a
fallen opponent back-first.
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23.2 Seated senton
A seated senton, also known as a vertical splash is a move in which a wrestler jumps down to a
sitting position across the chest or stomach of a fallen opponent. However, this move is often
used by larger wrestlers that more often fall to a sitting position rather than jump to gain height.
The butt drop as it is sometimes known as is an obvious and often-used counter to the sunset
flip.
23.3 Cannonball
This is a front flip senton performed to an opponent sitting in a corner. With the opponent seated
the wrestler runs at the opponent and flips forward 180° so that their back impacts on the
opponents chest and head causing the opponent to be sandwiched between the turnbuckle and the
wrestler.
24. Shoulder block
A shoulder block sees a strike an opponent with their shoulder usually ramming their shoulder,
by keeping their arm down by their side, into the opponent's shoulder or abdomen of an opponent
running towards them. However, often this will see a larger wrestler stand still and have the other
wrestler run towards the larger one to try an execute the move only to get knocked down.
The shoulder block often is used to display the size and strength of a wrestler, with the larger
wrestler challenging another to run off the ropes and hit the move. This usually sees the other
wrestler attempt to charge at the larger one several times only to see their attempts have no
effect, or get knocked down themselves. A slight variation on this called the body block which is
also typically used by large wrestlers, this sees an opponent run at the large wrestler who would
simply engulf the charging opponent by swing his/her arms round and forcing the opponent to
impact the wrestlers entire body.
Monty Brown, currently wrestling as "The Alpha Male" Marcus Cor Von, irish whips his
opponent into a rope, then bounces off an adjacent rope and into a low shoulder block he calls
the Pounce.
24.1 Chop block
The chop block is a shoulder block that targets the back of an opponent's knee. The wrestler
performing this attack would come from behind an opponent and drop down to connect with
his/her shoulder into the back of one of the opponent's knees, this is often used to weaken the leg
for submission holds.
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24.2 Spear
Also known as the Shoulder block takedown. This is an attack where an attacking wrestler
charges towards a standing opponent, driving their shoulder into the opponent's mid-section,
tackling them, and forcing them down to the mat.
This move is similar to the double leg takedown, except the impact is more focused on the
midsection rather than the legs.
Terry Gerin, also known as Rhyno or Rhino, uses a version he calls The Gore in which he does
not hold on to the opponent to tackle them; using the move as a strike.
24.3 Turnbuckle thrust
This move is a shoulder block performed to an opponent who is set up on the turnbuckle. The
opponent is often resting back first against the turnbuckles. The wrestler can run at the opponent,
but normally the wrestler will place his/her shoulder against the opponent and swing their legs
back and forth, driving their shoulder into the opponent’s chest, often repeatedly to then gain
momentum.
25. Standing moonsault
A move in which a wrestler, who is standing next to an opponent laying on the ground, turns his
back to the opponent and executes a standing backflip, landing on the opponent chest-first.
26. Standing shooting star press
Main article: Shooting star press
27. Stink Face
This attack involves a wrestler smothering their butt on the face of an opponent lying in the
corner of the ring. It's mainly used to "humiliate" the opponent as it doesn't injure them. The
move was most famously used by Rikishi, although Torrie Wilson also uses the move on
occasion.
28. Uppercut
The uppercut is a punch used in boxing that usually aims at the opponent's chin. It is, along with
the hook, one of the two main punches that count in the statistics as power punches. In boxing an
uppercut only refers to a punch, while in wrestling other forms of uppercuts are used including
an open-handed punch version (see throat thrust below).
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28.1 European uppercut
This is a forearm uppercut in which a wrestler does a quick grapple then brings their arm up
inside to hit the opponent under the chin. This move has long been a signature move of many
European wrestlers and is often adopted by more technical wrestlers also.
28.2 Knee lift
This is an uppercut using the wrestler's knee in which a wrestler brings their knee up to hit the
opponent under the chin. This often sees a prone opponent bent over when the wrestler chargers
at the opponent and lifts his knee up under them.
The move can be performed using two knees; the wrestler forces the opponent’s head down, then
quickly jumps, bending at the knees, and hits the opponent in the face.
28.3 Throat thrust
Also known as an open-hand uppercut or a sword stab, this attack is similar to a conventional
uppercut, but the attacker strikes at the opponent's throat with an open hand usually with their
palm facing upwards usually with all five of the fingers together. WWE wrestler Umaga uses a
unique variation of this move that he calls the Samoan Spike which sees him using just one
thumb to strike the front or side of his opponent's neck at a high rate of speed.
29. Weapon shot
Many items are used as weapons in professional wrestling. Some of the more common weapons
used include chairs, guitars, folding tables, title belts, "kendo sticks", and trash cans and their
lids.
While picking up the upper half of the ring steps for use as a weapon is illegal, slamming an
opponent into the ring steps is not considered illegal, though it is frowned upon.
29.1 Chair shot
A wrestler simply hits the opponent with a chair. In modern wrestling Steel/metal folding chairs
are used with the strike being performed with the flat face of the chair to slow the swing and
distribute the impact, to prevent injury.
29.2 One man con-chair-to
This Chair attack involves a wrestler placing their opponent so that they are horizontal with their
head resting on a chair, then hitting their head from above with a second chair, squashing the
head of the opponent between both chairs.
Made popular by the former team Edge and Christian, who developed this move from its double
team version while feuding with one another. The first one-man concerto was performed by
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Christian himself, who turned heel on Edge several weeks after Edge won King of the Ring in
2001.
The word's pronunciation is an intentional homophone of concerto.
29.3 El Kabong
A maneuver used by Jeff Jarrett, The Honky Tonk Man, and New Jack in particular, it simply
involves breaking a guitar, often an acoustic one, over an opponent's head. Due to it being
mainly acoustic guitars used in this way its use as a weapon is often referred to as "The Acoustic
Equalizer".
The "El Kabong" name comes from the name of the alter ego of cartoon character Quick Draw
McGraw, known for doing the same; and the reference to the cartoon was first popularized by
ECW play-by-play man Joey Styles.
30. Transition moves
Some moves are meant neither to pin an opponent, nor weaken them or force them to submit, but
are intended to set up the opponent for another attack.
30.1 Discus
This is a move in which a wrestler will spin in place before hitting an attack, like the discus
clothesline, discus punch, or the discus forearm. The move is usually used instead of charging
towards an opponent to build up momentum for an attack.
Kerry Von Erich during his stint in the then-WWF as the Texas Tornado, used the discus punch
calling it his Tornado Punch.
30.2 Handspring
The wrestler runs towards the ropes and performs a handstand right next to them, using his
momentum to throw his legs against the ropes, using the spring to throw himself backwards back
onto his feet, and using the momentum still to leap backwards, usually to deliver an attack. A
back elbow strike variation is the most common.
Another common variation of the handspring transition sees the attacking wrestler Irish-whip
their opponent onto a turnbuckle from an adjacent corner. Once the opponent crashes with their
back onto the turnbuckle, the wrestler immediately performs a handspring combo towards the
opponent across the ring. The acrobatic combination usually consists of a cartwheel followed by
one or two back-tucks leaving the wrestler's back facing the opponent. When the wrestler is in
close range of the opponent, they are free to use the momentum of the handspring combination to
leap backwards and strike with either a back-elbow, a back-thump, a dropkick or any other
convenient attack. This attack is most often used by female wrestlers with gymnastic experience
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such as Chyna, Molly Holly, Jillian Hall and Sharmell Sullivan, with Sharmell using a backelbow strike and calling her variation the Sharmellbow.
30.3 Rolling thunder
A rolling thunder refers to the action of a forward roll towards an opponent using the complete
rotation to spring up onto their feet and into the air and perform an attack. The most popular
version of this ends it with a jumping somersault senton and is used by Rob Van Dam.
Though Van Dam doesn't call his move anything more than "Rolling Thunder" most other
variations use a naming system of Rolling Thunder [attack name]. The most notable variations
are ones ending in a vertical splash ("Rolling Thunder Splash" also used by Van Dam), a
jumping lariat ("Rolling Thunder Lariat" as used by Konnan), and a legdrop version.
31. Illegal attacks
Illegal attacks are mainly used by heel wrestlers and are usually an offense punishable by
disqualification, though typically done when the referee is disabled or otherwise distracted. The
most well-known illegal moves are ones that attack the groin of a male wrestler.
31.1 Asian mist
The wrestler spits a colored mist in the face of the opponent. The mist (typically green, but also
in red and black varieties) supposedly stings and temporarily blinds opponent. As the name
implies, the move is associated with wrestlers of Asian origin. Asian mist was invented by The
Great Kabuki.
31.2 Biting
The wrestler seizes a body part of the opponent and bites down with their teeth. Biting is often
used when a wrestler is "trapped", either in a corner of the ring or in a submission hold, as a
desperation move.
31.3 Eye poke
When a wrestler pokes his finger(s) into an opponent's eye(s). This is an illegal attack mainly
used by heel wrestlers to gain an upperhand on their opponent.
31.4 Eye rake
Also called a Thumb to the eye. This is when a wrestler rakes his thumb(s) down an opponent's
eye(s). This is an illegal attack mainly used by heel wrestlers to gain an upperhand on their
opponent.
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31.5 Fireball
The wrestler sets a piece of quick-burning paper (flash paper) alight and throws it at the
opponent, giving the impression of a supernatural ball of fire emerging from their hand. The
Sheik is credited as the first man to throw fire in wrestling.
31.6 Hangman
Seen when a wrestler who is on the opposite side of the ring ropes from an opponent (on the
'apron') grabs him by the head and drops down, forcing the opponent’s throat across the ropes.
This is an illegal attack because of its use of the rope.
31.7 Low blow
A direct shot to the groin of an opponent; otherwise known as a groin attack. It is an offense
punishable by disqualification. This illegal attack is mainly used by heel wrestlers or valets to
gain the upper hand on their male opponents. Although kicking an opponent in the groin is the
most obvious method, the most popular version sees an attacking wrestler drop to their knees and
raise their arm up between the opponent's legs, striking the groin with the inside of their elbowjoint. Often wrestlers will perform the strike while the referee is in some way distracted in what
is known as a "cheap shot".
Despite hitting the groin, the inverted atomic drop known also as Manhattan Drop is not
considered a low blow. This is because it involves dropping the opponent so that their groin hits
the wrestler's knee, rather than raising a knee to hit the opponent's groin. In the same fashion, if a
wrestler is lifted so that they fall and straddle an object it is frowned upon but not deemed illegal.
Another non-illegal method is to take the feet away from under an opponent while they are
standing on the top rope so they drop and straddle the rope/corner turnbuckle.
31.7.1 Testicular claw
A version of a clawhold in which a wrestler will grab hold of an opponent by the testicles and
squeeze. This is an illegal attack mainly used by wrestlers to gain the upper hand on their
opponents and is an offense punishable by disqualification .
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Volume 2 - Professional Wrestling Holds
Professional wrestling holds include a number of set moves and pins used by competitors to
immobilize their opponents. This article covers the various pins, stretches and transition holds
used in the ring.
Moves are listed under general categories whenever possible.
1. Stretches
An element borrowed from professional wrestling's catch wrestling origins, stretches (or
submission holds) are techniques in which a wrestler holds another in a position that puts stress
on their body. They are usually employed to weaken an opponent or to force them to submit,
either vocally or by tapping out: slapping the mat, floor, or opponent with a free hand three
times.
Many of these holds, when applied vigorously, stretch the opponent's muscles or twist their
joints uncomfortably, hence the name. Chokes, although not in general stress positions like the
other stretches, are usually grouped with them as they serve the same tactical purposes.
In public performance, for safety's sake, stretches are usually not performed to the point where
the opponent must submit or risk injury. Likewise, chokes are usually not applied to the point
where they cut off the oxygen supply to the opponent's brain. A notable exception is Japanese
shoot-style wrestling, in which wrestlers are expected to apply legit submissions to end matches.
While some stretches rely entirely on the acting ability of the opponent to sell them as painful or
debilitating, many are legitimately effective when fully applied. They should not be attempted
without proper training and supervision, as there is significant risk of serious injury.
1.1 Head, face, and chin locks
1.1.1 Anaconda vice
Innovated by Hiroyoshi Tenzan the anaconda vice (also spelled vise) is done from a position in
which the wrestler and the opponent are seated on the mat. The wrestler sits on one side of the
opponent and using his near arm encircles the opponent‟s head and grabs the opponent‟s near
wrist, bending the arm upwards. Then, the wrestler maneuvers his other arm through the “hole”
created by the opponent‟s bent wrist, and locks his hand upon his own wrist, then pulls the
opponent forward, causing pressure on the opponent‟s arm and neck.
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In a variation called the Anaconda Cross the opponent‟s other arm is also trapped as it is
wrapped over the opponent chest, and pinned under the wrestler‟s arms. This variation was also
innovated by Hiroyoshi Tenzan.
1.1.2 Camel clutch
The wrestler sits on the back of his opponent, who is face down on the mat, and places the arm or
more commonly, both arms of the opponent on his thighs. The wrestler then reaches around the
opponent‟s head and applies a chinlock. The wrestler then leans back and pulls the opponent‟s
head and torso. A camel clutch can also refer simply to a rear chinlock while seated on the back
of an opponent, without placing the arms on the thighs.
It was invented by Salvador “Gory” Guerrero, who gave the move to his tag team partner, El
Santo, who then popularized its use. It was first known as the La de a Caballo („on horseback‟).
Lebanese-American wrestler The Sheik used it as a finisher, giving it the name Camel clutch. In
the 1980s Iranian wrestler The Iron Sheik popularized it as well.
Scott Steiner began using a standing variation of the camel clutch – applying more pressure to
the neck, instead of the torso as with the normal camel clutch – as a finisher during his time with
the now dubbed the Steiner Recliner.
1.1.2.1 Camel clutch sleeper
This variation of the camel clutch is when a wrestler sits on the back of an opponent while they
are laying on the mat face down. Instead of putting the opponent in a rear chinlock, they put
him/her in a sleeper hold.
1.1.2.2 Double chickenwing camel clutch
A wrestler stands behind an opponent and applies a double chickenwing. The wrestler then
forces the opponent face-down to the mat, sits on his back, and pulls backwards, stretching the
opponent‟s neck and upper body backwards.
1.1.2.3 Inverted facelock camel clutch
Also known as a Dragon Clutch, an inverted facelock camel clutch sees the wrestler stand
behind their opponent and apply an Inverted facelock. They then force the opponent down to the
mat face down, sit on their back, and pull backwards, stretching the opponent‟s neck and upper
body backwards.
1.1.2.4 Leg Hook Camel Clutch
Essentially a regular Camel Clutch, but before the attacker locks in the chinlock, he pulls the
opponent's leg backwards (as in the Single Leg Crab), and tucks it under the attacker's underarm,
then continues to perform the typical camel clutch, applying more pressure to the lower back
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with the leg's new position. Female wrestler MsChif uses this move, and calls it the Gates of
Hell II.
1.1.3 Chinlock
Also known as a rear chin-lock this hold sees an attacking wrestler lift his opponent, who is
laying on the mat face up, to a sitting position. The wrestler then places his knee in the opponents
back and grasps the opponents chin then either pulls straight back on the chin or wrenches it to
the side. However, this hold is dangerous, it could strain, or even snap the tendons in the
opponents neck.
A variation of this hold, referred to as a reverse chinlock with a bridge by Jim Ross during an
episode of WWE Raw, sees the attacking wrestler kneel before the opponent and grasp their neck
into a reverse chinlock, before flipping forward to plant their feet and bridge their back adding
additional pressure to the opponent's neck and upper back.
1.1.4 Clawhold
Also known as The Iron Claw, the clawhold was a finishing hold of Teutonic heels, Fritz Von
Erich and Baron Von Raschke. The claw was a squeezing of the temples by the thumb and
pinky, while the palm compressed the face. Usually the ref would declare the opponent
incapacitated and call the match. A ruthless user of the hold, such as Blackjack Mulligan, could
draw blood either by breaking the nose or inducing a hemorrhage.
The Undertaker used a variation in which he would claw the opponents jaw rather than head.
An illegal variation of the Clawhold known as alternatively the Testicular claw or the Crotch
Claw exists. This variation, as the name implies, sees a wrestler grab the crotch of their opponent
and squeeze.
1.1.5 Cobra clutch
Also known as a cross-arm lock or cross-arm choke. The wrestler stands behind the opponent
and uses one arm to place the opponent in a half nelson. The wrestler then uses their free arm to
pull the opponents arm (the same side arm as the one the attacker is applying the half nelson) and
pulls it across the face of the opponent and lock their hands behind the neck.
This hold can also be used as a throw; after grabbing the opponent in the clutch, sitting down and
dropping the opponent on their back, using their hands as “handles”.
1.1.5.1 Bridging cobra clutch
With the opponent laying face down, the wrestler sits beside the opponent, facing the same way,
locks on the cobra clutch, and then arches his legs and back, bending the opponent‟s torso and
neck upwards.
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1.1.6 Crossface
From behind the opponent the wrestler locks his hands together and pulls back on the face of the
opponent, pulling the neck of the opponent backwards. The move requires some leverage to be
applied, and as such it cannot be applied on a freely standing opponent.
The most common variant sees a wrestler lock one arm of a fallen opponent, who is belly down
on the mat with the wrestler on top and to the side, and placing it between their legs before
locking their hands around the opponent's chin or face and pulling back to stretch the opponent's
neck and shoulder. This variation was innovated by Dean Malenko, and made popular by Chris
Benoit as the Crippler Crossface.
A variation where the wrestler just lays on his side on the back of the opponent while applying
the crossface was popularised by TAKA Michinoku as Just Facelock.
Mitsuharu Misawa innovated a seated variation where he hooks an arm of a seated opponent
with one of his legs and places his other leg against the back of the opponent to trap him before
applying the crossface.
Chris Hero uses an inverted cravate variation as part of his Hangman's Clutch submissions
where after locking the opponent's arm he twists his body so the hand positioning is reversed
with the right hand on the left side of the opponents face and the left hand on the right side.
Another variation of this move, known as a spinning headscissors crossface, sees the attacking
wrestler perform a spinning headscissors before wrapping around the opponent's body and
bringing the opponent's arm between the attacker's legs, forcing them to the ground and applying
the crossface hold.
1.1.6.1 Chickenwing over the shoulder crossface
A variation of a crossface in which a wrestler goes to a fallen opponent and places one arm over
the wrestler‟s nearest shoulder before applying the crossface where the attacking wrestler locks
his/her hands around the opponent‟s chin (or lower face), then pulls back to stretching the
opponent‟s neck and shoulder.
This move is not to be confused with Crossface chickenwing.
1.1.7 Front chancery
The wrestler faces his opponent, and both are in same position (prone or standing). The wrestler
then places his forearm under opponent‟s chin and armpit on top of it. The wrestler may also
underhook his opponent‟s arm with his free arm.
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1.1.7.1 Front sleeper
The wrestler places the opponent in a front chancery and rolls backwards, pulling the opponent
over him an onto their back, with the wrestler ending up laying on the opponent. The wrestler
then squeezes the opponent‟s torso with his legs, similar to a body scissors and arches his back
backwards, pulling the opponent‟s head forward, and thus applying pressure on the neck.
1.1.8 Front facelock
The wrestler faces his opponent, who is bent forward. The wrestler tucks the opponent's head in
his armpit and wraps his arm around the head so that the forearm is pressed against the face. The
wrestler then grabs the arm with his free hand to lock in the hold and compress the opponent's
face.
1.1.9 Full nelson
From behind his opponent, the wrestler slips both arms underneath the opponent's armpits and
locks his hands behind his neck, pushing the opponent's head forward against his chest. It can be
combined into either a suplex (throwing the opponent backwards) or a slam (lifting the opponent
while in the nelson and then releasing).
A full nelson can also be done as a combination of a half nelson maneuver with one of the
wrestler's hands and arms holding one of the opponent's arms and the other arm being held by the
wrestler's legs (an arm scissors) to complete the nelson.
There is also a Full nelson bulldog, with the attacking wrestler applying a full nelson then
jumping forward like a bulldog with the full nelson still in hold, with the opponent landing facefirst and the attacking wrestler landing on the buttocks.
1.1.10 Half nelson
The wrestler stands behind their opponent and wraps one arm under the opponent's armpit (on
the same side) and places the hand behind the opponent's head. The wrestler then pulls back with
that side of his body while pushing forward with the hand, bending the opponent's shoulder back
and pressing the chin against the chest.
1.1.11 Inverted facelock
The wrestler stands behind his opponent and bends him backwards. The wrestler tucks the
opponent‟s head face-up under his armpit, and wraps his arm around the head so that his forearm
is pressed against the back of the opponent‟s neck. The wrestler then pulls the opponent‟s head
backwards and up, wrenching the opponent‟s neck.
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1.1.11.1 Bite of the Dragon
Named by Low Ki, this sees a wrestler stand behind an opponent with the ring ropes between
them before grabbing an inverted facelock on the opponent and wrapping his legs around the
opponent‟s body for a body scissors. As the move uses the ring ropes it‟s illegal under most
match rules, and the attacking wrestler has to release the hold before the referee reaches a five
count or be disqualified.
1.1.11.2 Stretch Plum
The wrestler applies an Inverted facelock to a seated opponent and places his far leg between the
opponent‟s legs and pushes his near leg‟s knee against the opponent‟s back. The wrestler then
pulls the opponent‟s head backwards with their arms and the opponent‟s far leg outwards with
their leg. This move is also known as Eastern Stretch. It was named after Japanese women‟s
wrestler Plum Mariko.
1.1.12 Mandible claw
The wrestler darts their middle and ring fingers into soft tissue under the opponent's tongue with
their thumb under the chin, squeezing the mandible between them.
1.1.13 Neck scissors
Also referred to as a head scissors, this hold sees a wrestler approach a fallen opponent and sit
next to them before turning onto their side towards the opponent and placing their legs on either
side of the opponent‟s head, crossing the top leg after its gone around the opponent‟s chin. The
wrestler then tightens the grip to choke an opponent by compressing their throat.
Often, however, an opponent will simply place their hands under the knee of the attacking
wrestler and push it up over their chin so they can escape. Another way to escape the hold will
see the opponent raise themselves to their feet while still in the hold, forcing the attacking
wrestler to a seated position. This in turn uncrosses their legs, allowing the opponent to simply
lift their head out.
1.1.14 Three-quarters face lock
The wrestler stands in front of the opponent while both persons are facing the same direction,
with some space in between the two.
Then, the wrestler moves slightly to the left while still positioned in front of the opponent. The
wrestler then uses the right hand to reach back and grab the opponent from behind the head, thus
pulling the opponent's head above the wrestler's shoulder.
The two-handed version sees the wrestler use both hands, and can be referred to as the threequarter chancery, side head chancery or, most often, the Cravate. This hold is a staple of
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European style professional wrestling and technical wrestling influenced by European
professional wrestling.
An inverted version of the cravate is used by Chris Hero as part of his Hangman's Clutch
submissions in which the hand positioning is the same as a normal cravate but the facelock is
connected around the face of the opponent, not from behind the opponent's head, thus pulling the
opponents head backwards rather than forwards putting pressure significant pressure on the neck
by stretching it backwards and in other directions the neck can not naturally bend to.
The move is also referred to as the European Headlock, due to its prominence in European
wrestling.
1.1.15 Three-quarter nelson
A wrestler stands behind their opponent and places one of the opponent's arms in a half nelson
and then places the opponent's other arm in either a hammerlock or chickenwing.
1.1.16 Side headlock
In this hold a wrestler who is facing away from an opponent would wrap his/her arm around the
neck of an opponent bringing them forwards into this prone position.
Though this is an often used rest hold, it is also sometimes the beginning of a standard bulldog
move.
1.1.17 STF
Short for Stepover Toehold Facelock. Invented by Lou Thesz, and popularised by his Japanese
disciple, Masahiro Chono. This hold is performed on an opponent who is lying face down on the
mat. A wrestler grabs one of the opponent's legs, and places the opponent's ankle between his/her
thighs. The wrestler then lays on top of the opponent's back and locks his arms around the
opponent's head. The wrestler then pulls back stretching the opponent's back, neck, and knee.
A slight variation is performed by Chris Hero named the Hangman's Clutch where after locking
the ankle he twists his body so that he can place his left hand around the right side of the
opponents head and vice versa and then lock the hands to form the facelock, making it resemble
the hand position of a cravate. He then pulls down with his arms to stretch the opponent's back,
neck, and knee.
1.1.17.1 Cross leg STF
The wrestler takes the opponent's legs, bends them at the knees, and crosses them, placing one
ankle in the other leg's knee-pit. The wrestler then grabs the free ankle and places its ankle
between his thighs. He then lays on top of the opponent's back and locks his arms around the
opponent's face. The wrestler then pulls back stretching the opponent's back, neck, and knees.
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In the variation known as the Regal Stretch, as named by William Regal, in addition to crossing
the opponent's legs, the wrestler reaches under one of the opponent's arms to lock his hands
around the opponent's head. This causes the opponent's upper body to twist, causing extra
pressure.
1.1.17.2 Muta lock
Also known as an Inverted STF or Sickle hold this hold is named after The Great Muta, who
popularized it. The wrestler first takes the opponent‟s legs, bends them at the knees, and crosses
them, placing one ankle in the other leg‟s knee-pit before then turning around so that they are
facing away from the opponent and places one of his feet into the triangle created by the
opponent‟s crossed legs. The wrestler then places the opponent‟s free ankle under his knee-pit
and bridges backwards to reach over their head and locks his/her arms around the opponent‟s
head.
1.1.17.3 STS
Short for Stepover Toehold Sleeper and innovated by Masahiro Chono this hold which is similar
to an STF sees the wrestler wrap his arm around the neck of the opponent as in a sleeper hold
instead of pulling back the head of the opponent.
A variation exists in which, after applying the STS, the wrestler turns to his side, pulling the
opponent on top of him, face up. This was also innovated and popularized by Masahiro Chono,
who calls it the FTS.
1.2 Arm locks
1.2.1 Armbar
Also known as Wakigatame, arm wrench or Japanese armbar. The wrestler takes the
opponents arm and twists it, putting pressure on the shoulder and elbow.
1.2.1.1Crucifix armbar
The wrestler holds an opponent's arm with his arms, pulling the arm across his chest. He is
situated perpendicular to and behind the opponent. The wrestler then holds the other arm with his
legs, stretching the shoulders back in a crucifying position and hyperextending the elbow.
This technique is also called a cross armbreaker, or jujigatame, a term borrowed from Judo.
1.2.1.2 Tiger feint crucifix armbar
The opponent begins supine, lying with their back on the bottom or second rope and facing into
the ring. The wrestler runs towards the opponent and jumps through the second and top rope
while holding on to the ropes, then swings around and grapevines the opponent‟s arms, applying
a crucifix armbar.
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1.2.1.3 Fujiwara armbar
A grounded armbar with the opponent lying on his belly, the aggressor lies on the opponent‟s
back, at a 90° angle to him, putting some or all of his weight on the opponent to prevent him
from moving. The opponent‟s arm is then hooked and pulled back into his body, stretching the
forearms, biceps and pectoral muscles. Variations of this can include clasping the opponent‟s
hand instead of hooking the upper arm, for extra leverage and bridging out, while performing the
move to increase leverage and immobilize the opponent. The move is named after Yoshiaki
Fujiwara. Similar to or the same as Ude-Hishigi-Waki-Gatame in judo.
1.2.1.4 Head scissors armbar
The wrestler wraps his legs around the opponent‟s head, facing towards the opponent. He then
grabs one of the opponent‟s arms and wrenches in backwards, causing pressure on the shoulder
and elbow of the opponent. This can often be performed on a standing wrestler.
Kensuke Sasaki crosses his legs before applying the head scissors with his shins on an opponent
who is laying down on the mat face down. Sasaki then turns to his side, forcing the opponent‟s
body of the mat, causing extra pressure, as the opponent has to support his bodyweight on his
squeezed neck. He calls this variation Strangle Hold Alpha.
1.2.1.5 Scissored armbar
The wrestler approaches a prone, face down opponent from the side. The wrestler then “scissors”
(clasps) the near arm of the opponent with their legs and takes hold of the far arm of the
opponent with both hands, forcing the opponent onto their side and placing stress on both
shoulder joints, as well as making it harder for the opponent to breathe.
1.2.1.6 Seated armbar
Known as Ashigatame in Japan. The wrestler sits on either side of an opponent who is laying
prone on the mat, with the wrestler's legs scissoring one of the opponent's arms. The wrestler
then grabs hold of the wrist of that arm, pulling it upwards, causing hyperextension of the
shoulder and elbow.
Satoshi Kojima uses a slight variation where both of his legs are on the same side of the
opponent's arm. He calls it the Koji MAX hold.
1.2.2 Barely Legal
From behind a seated opponent, the wrestler grabs one of the opponent‟s elbows and pulls it up
and backward toward himself. He then bends the wrist and forces the open palm of the
opponent‟s hand into his chest, putting pressure on the wrist. Named by Barry Darsow.
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1.2.3 Chickenwing
The wrestler stands behind the opponent and hooks one of his arms so that both wrestlers‟ elbow
joints are snug together and their arms are wrapped around one another. The wrestler then pulls
the arm upward against the back of his opponent.
1.2.3.1 Chickenwing arm lock
Also known as Double wrist lock. In Mixed martial arts this move is known as the Kimura,
after Masahiko Kimura. The wrestler lays on top of the opponent‟s torso, in a 90° angle. He then
grabs hold of the opponent‟s wrist with his far hand and pushes it behind the opponent‟s back.
He then puts his other arm over the opponent‟s shoulder, reaches under the opponent‟s arm and
grabs hold of his other wrist. He then uses his both arms to pull the opponent‟s arm behind him
into an unnatural position, causing pressure.
1.2.3.2 Key lock
This hold is very similar to the Chickenwing arm lock, the difference being that the opponent‟s
arm is bent the other way. The wrestler lays ontop of the opponent‟s torso, in a 90° angle. He
then grabs hold of the opponent‟s wrist with his near hand, so that the opponent‟s hand is palm
up and bent fully, and holds it down. He then reaches under the opponent‟s arm with his other
arm and grabs hold of his other arm‟s wrist. He then forces the opponent‟s elbow upwards,
bending the arm to an unnatural position.
1.2.3.3 Crossface chickenwing
A chickenwing variation where the wrestler applies the chickenwing to one of the opponent‟s
arms. The wrestler then uses his free arm to either push the arm, and particularly its radius bone,
against the face of the opponent to cause pain, or wrap the arm around the neck of the opponent
in a sleeper hold. The wrestler may also grasp his hands together in either variation. This hold is
closely associated with Bob Backlund who popularized the move in America.
1.2.3.4 Double chickenwing
The wrestler stands behind the opponent, underhooks both arms, and pulls them upwards. This
move was made popular by Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.
1.2.3.5 Sitting double chickenwing
The wrestler locks both of the opponent‟s arms into chickenwings, forces him to a seated
position, and pushes his chest forward against the opponent‟s shoulders while pulling the
opponent‟s arms upwards.
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1.2.3.6 Bridging grounded double chickenwing
When an opponent is lying face down on the mat the wrestler locks a double chickenwing on
their arms and then performs a forward roll into a bridging position further stressing the hold.
This hold is popularly associated with Bryan Danielson who uses it as a finisher named the
Cattle Mutilation.
1.2.4 Hammerlock
The wrestler grabs his/her opponent‟s arm, pulling it around behind the opponent‟s back. This
stretches the pectorals and shoulder joint, and immobilizes the arm. This is a legitimate
controlling/debilitating hold, and is commonly used by police officers in the United States to
subdue uncooperative persons for arrest.
1.2.5 Wrist lock
The wrestler grasps the opponent‟s hand and twists backwards, placing pressure on the wrist.
While this can inflict pain on its own, it is most often used as a transition hold, leading into either
a hammer lock, an elbow to the held arm, or kicks to the opponent‟s abdominal area. Another
form of wrist lock sometimes known as a figure four wristlock involves the wrestler (after
applying the initial wrist lock with the left hand) threading their right arm through the gap the
two arms provide, forming a „4‟, and providing leverage on the wristlock.
1.3 Chokes
1.3.1 Arm triangle choke
The wrestler wraps his arms around the head and one arm of the opponent and squeezes, choking
the opponent. It is considered legal in professional wrestling, although it is a chokehold.
1.3.2 Corner foot choke
The wrestler pushes their opponent into the turnbuckle and extends their leg, choking their
opponent while using the top two ropes for support. This attack is illegal and results in a
wrestler's disqualification, should the move not be broken by a count of five.
1.3.3 Cross arm choke
Also known as the Japanese stranglehold (Goku-Raku Gatame), Criss-cross Stranglehold,
or Straight-jacket. The wrestler sits on the back of an opponent who is laying face down on the
mat. The wrestler then grabs hold of the opponent‟s wrists and crosses their arms under their
chin. The wrestler then pulls back on the arms, causing pressure.
1.3.4 Double choke
The wrestler grabs his opponent‟s throat with both hands and throttles him.
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1.3.5 Figure four necklock
This neck lock sees a wrestler sit above a fallen opponent and wrap his/her legs around the
opponent in the form of the figure 4, with one leg crossing under the opponent's chin and under
the wrestler's other leg the wrestler squeezes and chokes the opponent.
In an illegal version of the hold, best described as a hanging figure four necklock, the wrestler
stands on top of the turnbuckle, wraps his/her legs around the head of the opponent, who has
their back turned against the turnbuckle, in the figure 4 and falls backwards, choking the
opponent. In most matches the hold would have to be released before a five count.
1.3.6 Guillotine choke
The wrestler applies a front sleeper and proceeds to take the opponent downward and applies a
body scissors with the legs. This move is a favorite of many mixed martial arts fighters.
In addition to the normal version, Jun Akiyama uses a modified version where he traps the
opponent's legs instead of applying a body scissors.
1.3.7 Half nelson choke
The wrestler puts his opponent in a half nelson with one arm and grabs the opponent‟s neck with
the other. This hold is the judo choke hold known as a katahajime with an added body scissors.
This choke was popularized in professional wrestling by Tazz as his finisher the Tazzmission.
1.3.8 Koji Clutch
The opponent lays face down on the mat. The wrestler lies face up and slightly to the side of the
opponent. The wrestler then hooks their far leg across the neck of the opponent. The wrestler
then hooks his hands behind the opponent‟s head, having one arm pass over their own leg and
the other under. The wrestler then pulls backwards with his arms and pushes forward with his
leg, causing pressure. The name comes from the man who innovated the move, Koji Kanemoto.
1.3.9 Leg choke
With the opponent hung over the second rope, facing the outside of the ring, the attacking
wrestler hooks their left or right leg over the back of the opponent‟s neck. The attacking wrestler
then pulls the second rope upwards, compressing the opponent‟s throat between the rope and
attacking wrestler‟s leg, choking them. This move is illegal due to usage of the ring ropes, and
results in a disqualification for the attacker should they not release the hold before a count of
five.
1.3.10 Rear naked choke
A grounded version of a sleeper hold with an added body scissors that is derived from Martial
arts and more recently MMA.
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1.3.11 Single arm choke
The wrestler grabs his opponent's throat with one hand and squeezes tightly. A "goozle" is a
single arm choke held briefly before performing a chokeslam.
An attacker may use his or her free hand to grab the wrist of the choking hand to further apply
pressure.
1.3.12 Sleeper hold
A sleeper hold is generally applied in the following manner:
The wrestler applying the hold positions himself behind his opponent.
The wrestler then wraps his/her right arm around the opponent's neck, pressing the biceps
against one side of the neck and the inner bone of the forearm against the other side (it
also works just as well reversed, with the left arm).
The neck (in kayfabe) is squeezed inside the arm extremely tightly. Additional pressure
can be applied by grabbing the left shoulder with the right hand, or grabbing the biceps of
the left arm near the elbow, then using the left hand to push the opponent's head towards
the crook of the right elbow.
It is usually taught that at this point (or during the process) the opponent should be
brought to the ground if not already there. This is said to help avoid the opponent
countering the hold as well as supposedly allowing the wrestler to have a leverage to
apply more pressure.
The opponent will typically go limp after a time in the hold, at which point a referee
would raise the opponent's hand and drop it to the ground three times. If the hands drops
three times in a row the opponent is considered unconscious and the wrestler would gain
a submission victory. However, for the most part, during the third drop of the hand, the
opponent will seemingly regain consciousness quickly, raising up from the (near)
grounded position to their feet to counter the hold.
1.3.12.1 Arm-hook sleeper
Also known as the Buffalo Sleeper. The wrestler is kneeling behind a seated opponent. He grabs
hold of one of the opponent‟s arms, bends it backwards overhead, and locks its wrist into his
armpit. The wrestler then wraps his free arm under the opponent‟s chin, like in a Sleeper hold,
puts his other arm through the arch created by the opponent‟s trapper arm, and locks his hands.
He then squeezes the opponent‟s neck, causing pressure. The move was innovated by Hiroyoshi
Tenzan.
1.3.12.2 Dragon sleeper
The wrestler stands behind the opponent, who is either sitting or laying down, places the
opponent in an inverted facelock, and hooks the opponent‟s near arm with his free arm. The
wrestler then pulls backwards and up, wrenching the opponent‟s neck. If the opponent is sitting,
the wrestler can place their knee under the opponent‟s back, adding more pressure.
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A dragon sleeper with body scissors is sometimes referred to as a Beast Choker as named by
Dan “The Beast” Severn.
1.3.13 Thumb choke hold
The attacking wrestler stands behind an opponent and reaches around the opponent's neck with
one arm. The wrestler then extends a thumb and thrusts it into the windpipe of the opponent,
cutting off their air supply. This hold was popularized and was dubbed "The Oriental Spike" by
Terry "Bamm Bamm" Gordy of the Fabulous Freebirds in the 1980s. Prior to this, it was known
as the "Asiatic Spike" and was used by Don Muraco, wrestling as the masked "Magnificent M"
in Florida Championship Wrestling.
1.3.14 Tongan death grip
The wrestler darts his/her hand under an opponent‟s chin and grabs a hold of a pressure point
above the throat, squeezing the nerve. This cuts off the air supply and the opponent fades out, yet
this is not considered an air choke as it is not squeezing the windpipe. This hold is unique in that
it can be used as a sleeper like submission or, should the “unconscious” opponent end up laying
on his back, a pinfall.
1.3.15 Triangle choke
The wrestler grabs hold of one his opponent's arms, wraps his legs around the opponent's throat
and arm in a figure four and squeezes. Although it is a choke hold, it is still considered a legal
hold. Commonly used in Japanese wrestling promotions and MMA.
1.3.16 Two handed chokelift
Also known as a Hanging Tree a wrestler grasps an opponent‟s neck with both hands then lifts
them up, choking them. This is a transition hold for moves such as the two handed chokeslam
and the Chokebomb.
1.4 Body locks
1.4.1 Bear hug
A wrestler stands in front of an opponent and locks his hands around the opponent, squeezing
him. Often he will shake his body from side to side, in order to generate more pain around the
ribs and spine. Frequently used by power wrestlers, this rather simple to apply hold was used by
heels and faces alike.
1.4.1.1 Side bear hug
A wrestler stands to one side of an opponent, facing them, and locks their arms around the
opponent, linking their hands under the arm of the opponent on the opposing side. The wrestler
then brings their arms closer together, compressing the torso of the opponent.
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1.4.2 Body scissors
A wrestler approaches a sitting opponent from in front, behind, or either sides. The attacking
wrestler then sits next to the opponent and wraps their legs around the opponent, crossing their
ankles and then tightening their grip by squeezing together their thighs or straightening their legs
to choke the wrestler by compressing their torso. This hold is often used in conjunction with a
hold applied to the head or the arms in order to restrain the opponent
1.4.3 Gutwrench
This is basically a bearhug from behind. A wrestler stands behind an opponent and locks his
hands around the opponent‟s stomach, pulling up and squeezing it.
1.5 Back and torso stretches
1.5.1 Abdominal stretch
Also known as a Cobra Twist, this hold begins with a wrestler facing his opponent's side. The
wrestler first straddles one of the opponent's legs, then reaches over the opponent's near arm with
the arm close to the opponent's back and locks it. Squatting and twisting to the side, flexs the
opponent's back and stretches their abdomen.
1.5.2 Backbreaker
See Backbreaker
1.5.3 Boston crab
This typically starts with the opponent on his back, and the wrestler standing and facing him. The
wrestler hooks each of the opponent's legs in one of his arms, and then turns the opponent facedown, stepping over him in the process. The final position has the wrestler in a semi-sitting
position and facing away from his opponent, with the opponent's back and legs bent back toward
his face.
1.5.4 Bow and arrow hold
The wrestler kneels on his opponent's back with both knees, hooking the head with one arm and
the legs with the other. He then rolls back so that his opponent is suspended on his knees above
him, facing up. The wrestler pulls down with both arms while pushing up with the knees to bend
the opponent's back.
1.5.5 Gory special
This hold, also known as the Gory lock and innovated by Salvador "Gory" Guerrero, sees a
wrestler lift their opponent over their shoulder so that the opponent's upper back is across the
wrestler's shoulder. Thus, the wrestler and opponent are back to back, facing opposite directions.
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The opponent's legs are tucked around the wrestler's hips. The wrestler can now apply pressure
by applying a chinlock and pressing down. One or both of the opponent's legs can also be
hooked for extra pressure.
1.5.6 Octopus hold
The wrestler stands behind the opponent and hooks a leg over the opponent‟s opposite leg. The
wrestler then forces the opponent to one side, traps one of the opponent‟s arms with their own
arm, and drapes their free leg over the neck of the opponent, forcing it downward. This elevates
the wrestler and places all the weight of the wrestler on the opponent. The wrestler has one arm
free, which can be used for balance.
Popularized by Antonio Inoki in New Japan Pro Wrestling, the Japanese name for the move is
the manji-gatame (inverted swastika hold).
1.5.7 Surfboard
The surfboard hold first sees a wrestler stand behind a fallen opponent, who is laying stomach
first to the floor. The wrestler places one foot down just above each of the opponent‟s knees and
bends their legs up, hooking them around his/her own knees, at this point the wrestler grasps
both of his opponent‟s wrists (usually slapping the opponent‟s back in an attempt to bring the
arms in reach), and falls backwards while compressing the opponent‟s shoulder-blades and
lifting them off the ground. This can see the wrestler fall to a seated position or go onto his own
back, lifting the opponent skyward, which will increase pressure on the opponent but puts the
wrestler in risk of pinning his own shoulders to the mat.
Another version of a surfboard which is most often applied by a standing wrestler against a prone
opponent, but may also be applied by a seated wrestler, or against a seated or kneeling opponent,
sees the wrestler grasps both of his opponent‟s wrists, while places his foot, or knee on the
opponent‟s upper back, pulling back on the arms to compress the opponent‟s shoulder blades.
The surfboard is also called as La Tapatía or Romero Special, named after the inventor Rito
Romero.
1.6 Leg locks
1.6.1 Ankle lock
A wrestler will grab the opponent‟s foot and lift their leg off the ground. Then with one hand
grab the opponent‟s toes or outside of foot, and with the other wrap around the ankle and through
the “hole” created and grab his own wrist. Essentially putting the opponent‟s ankle in a Key
Lock. Then they will bend the opponent‟s ankle.
A variation of this move is the grapevine ankle lock, in which the wrestler applying the hold falls
to the mat and scissors the leg of the opponent. This stops the opponent from rolling out of the
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move and makes it harder for him/her to crawl to the ropes but lessens the pressure that can be
applied.
The ankle lock was made famous by Ken Shamrock, Koji Kanemoto and Kurt Angle, with the
latter two often applying a grapevine.
1.6.2 Argentine leglock
Also known as Stretch Muffler. An elevated Single leg Boston crab. The wrestler stands over a
face-down opponent lying on the ground. He lifts one leg of the opponent and drapes it over his
neck. He then uses his arms to force the shin and thigh of the opponent down, thereby placing
pressure on the opponent‟s knee.
Tony Mamaluke introduced a variation where he steps over the downed opponent and sits on
their lower back as in a half Boston crab, calling it the Sicilian Crab. Último Guerrero uses a
variation where he grabs his opponent‟s corresponding leg and wraps his feet around their neck
called the Guerrero Special ll. Shuji Kondo uses his own variation where both his opponent‟s
legs are crossed over the neck called Cat’s Cradle.
1.6.3 Cross kneelock
With the opponent laying face down on the mat, the wrestler grabs hold of shin of one of the
opponent‟s legs and wraps his legs around the leg. The wrestler then twists the leg,
hyperextending the knee. Very similar to the grapevine ankle lock, with the only difference that
the wrestler wraps his arms around the shin, and not his hands around the ankle of the opponent.
Commonly used as a counter to an attack from behind. The wrestler flips forward down on to his
back, placing his legs around one of the legs of the opponent on the way down, and thus using
his momentum to drop the opponent forward down to the mat. The move can be also applied by
running towards the opponent and then performing the flip when next to him.
1.6.4 Figure four leglock
The attacker stands over the opponent who is lying on the mat face up and grasps a leg of the
opponent. The wrestler then does a spinning toe hold and grasps the other leg, crossing them as
he does so and falls to the mat, applying pressure to the opponent‟s crossed legs with his own.
This move was made popular as the finishing move of “Nature Boys” Buddy Rogers and Ric
Flair, who sometimes adds to it by twisting his opponents ankle as it is locked in.
A wrestler may counter the figure four by rolling over on to their stomach, which applies the
pressure on the original applier‟s legs. This counter to the figure four is often called a modified
indian deathlock or sometimes referred to as a sharpshooter variant.
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1.6.4.1 Ringpost figure four leglock
The opponent is either downed or standing next to one of the ring corner posts. The wrestler exits
the ring to the outside and drags the opponent by the legs towards the ringpost, so that the post is
between the opponent's legs (similar to when somebody 'crotches' their opponent with the
ringpost). The executer then stands on the ring apron, on the outside of the turnbuckle/ropes and
applies the figure four leglock with the ringpost between the opponent's legs. The performer of
the hold then falls back while grabbing the opponent's legs/feet, hanging upside down from the
ring apron. The ringpost assists the move, creating more damage and leverage to the opponent's
knee.
Because the performer is out of the ring while he/she has this hold locked in, this move doesn't
last long as it usually results in a count-out. This move also uses the ring-post, which is illegal in
professional wrestling, and a 5 count is used which leads to a disqualification.
Bret Hart is often credited for inventing this move.
1.6.4.2 Standing figure four leglock
The opponent is down on their back with the wrestler standing over one of their legs with one
foot placed on either side of the leg. The wrestler plants his foot in the knee of the opponents
other leg and then bends that leg at the knee over the top of the first leg forming the figure four.
The wrestler then bridges back.
1.6.4.3 Kneeling figure four leglock
The opponent is down on their back with the wrestler standing over one of their legs. The
wrestler applies a spinning toehold, crosses the opponent‟s legs and kneels on them. It is
commonly known as the Prison Lock or Jailhouse Lock and is sometimes confused with the
Indian Deathlock.
1.6.5 Haas of Pain
A submission invented and named by the Haas brothers, Charlie and Russ Haas, this modified
inverted reverse figure-four leglock variation sees the wrestler cross one leg of an opponent over
the other and stand on the crossed leg, next he would take hold of the free leg and lay down on
his back, to raise the opponents legs up into the air causing both pain to the lower back and legs
of the opponent.
1.6.6 Inverted three quarter figure four leglock
The opponent is lying faced down on the ground. The wrestler kneels over the opponent‟s thighs
with his left leg between the opponent‟s leg, then bends his opponent‟s left leg around his left
thigh. After that he places the opponent‟s right leg over the opponent‟s left ankle and puts his
own right leg under the opponent‟s left ankle. Finally, he puts both of his feet over the
opponent‟s right foot and presses on it.
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This hold was once used as the finisher of Japanese wrestler Oji Sakaharo, and was the first of
two leg locks referred to as the Oji-kiru.
1.6.7 Damascus head-leglock
The wrestler forces the opponent to the ground and opens up the legs of the opponent, stepping
in with both legs. The wrestler then wraps his legs around the head of the opponent and crosses
the opponent‟s legs, applying pressure on them with his hands. The wrestler next turns 180
degrees and leans back, compressing the spine. This hold applies pressure on the temples, the
calves, and compresses the spine. Also known as the D-lock for the capital D formed.
1.6.8 Kneebar
The basic kneebar is performed similarly to an armbar by holding the opponents leg in between
the legs and arms so the opponent's kneecap points towards the body. The attacker pushing the
hips forward, the opponent's leg is straightened, and further leveraging hyperextends the knee. A
variation of the kneebar is done similarly, but instead of holding the leg with the hands, the
opponent's foot is pushed behind one armpit. By pushing the shoulder backwards and pushing
the hips forward, a greater amount of force is applied to the knee.
1.6.9 Indian deathlock
Also known as the British Figure Four, this move sees a wrestler fold a grounded opponent‟s
legs over each other as if to put him in an “Indian sitting” posture, then places his own knee on
top of the opponent‟s shins and puts his weight on them.
1.6.9.1 Inverted Indian deathlock
With the opponent on his back, the wrestler standing beside him, sits with his leg over and
between the opponents legs (often using a legdrop to the knee). Then places the opponents far
leg in the knee-pit of the near leg, finishing the submission by putting the opponents ankle on top
of his own ankle and rolling both onto their bellys and pushing back with the wrestlers ankle.
1.6.9.2 Reverse Indian deathlock
This is a modification of the inverted Indian deathlock in which instead of facing the opposite
direction of their opponent on their chests, the wrestler positions themselves so that they end up
facing the same direction as their opponents face up.
The wrestler lifts up a leg of a face up opponent and walks one of their legs around the leg before
dropping to a kneeling position, thus locking the opponents leg behind the wrestlers knee. The
wrestler then reaches over and grabs the opponents far leg and places it on top of the trapped foot
of the opponent. The wrestler then performs a forward roll while maintaining the hold. This
forces the opponent onto their chest while the wrestler ends in a sitting position facing the same
direction as their opponent. From here the wrestler can reach forwards and perform many upper
body submissions as well.
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A standing version can also be applied which sees a standing wrestler place one of his legs
between the legs of a face down opponent and then bends one leg behind the leg of the wrestler,
placing it on top of the knee pit of the opponents other leg. The wrestler then picks up the
straight leg of the opponent, bends it backwards to lock the other leg in the knee pit and places
the foot in front of the shin of the standing leg in the knee pit, thus locking the leg.
Super Dragon innovated a move known as the Curb Stomp in which he applies a standing
reverse Indian deathlock with a surfboard and then lifts his free leg up, placing it on the back of
the head of the opponent. He then releases the surfboard and stomps the leg down to drive the
opponents head face first into the mat. Dragon also innovated another variation of this move
where he applies the standing reverse Indian deathlock, but rather than using the traditional
surfboard he pulls his opponents hair, face, or mask, before stomping the opponents head face
first into the mat.
1.6.10 Reverse figure four leglock
The wrestler using this move stands over the opponent with the opponent face up and grasps a
leg of the opponent. The wrestler then turns 90 degrees and grasps the other leg, crossing them as
he does so and falls to the mat, applying pressure to the opponent's crossed legs with his own.
Even though the move is called a reverse figure four leglock the wrestler is only turned 90
degrees, making the term side figure four leglock more appropriate. However reverse figure
four leglock is the most common name.
It is most closely associated with Japanese wrestler Yuji Nagata, who calls it the Nagata Lock I.
Nagata would salute to signal the maneuver to the crowd before dropping to the mat.
There are also standing and spinning versions.
1.6.11 Sharpshooter
The opponent starts supine. The wrestler steps between his opponent's legs with one leg and
wraps the opponent's legs around that leg. Holding the opponent's legs in place, the wrestler then
steps over the opponent, flipping him over into a prone position. Finally, the wrestler leans back
to compress the legs.
1.6.12 Spinning toe hold
The wrestler using this move stands over the opponent who is lying on the mat, face up and
grasps a leg of the opponent. The wrestler then turns 360 degrees over the leg twisting it inward.
A wrestler will repeatedly step over the leg and round again to twist the knee, and ankle joint
even more. Popularized by the Funk brothers, Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk, who were taught
the hold by their father, Dory Funk.
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1.6.13 Texas cloverleaf
The wrestler stands at the feet of his supine opponent, grabs the opponent's legs and lifts them
up. The wrestler then bends one leg so that the shin is behind the knee of the straight leg and
places the ankle of the straight leg in their armpit. With the same arm, they reach around the
ankle and through the opening formed by the legs, and lock their hands together. The wrestler
then steps over his opponent, turning the opponent over as in a sharpshooter and proceeds to
squat and lean back. The hold compresses the legs, flexes the spine, and stretches the abdomen.
The move was pioneered by Dory Funk, Jr., but is most closely associated with Dean Malenko,
who used it as his regular finisher.
Another version of this hold, considered to be an Elevated Texas Cloverleaf, was used by Eddie
Guerrero, which saw Guerrero turn the body of the opponent and place a knee over the
opponent's neck, pulling back for more pressure. Guerrero dubbed this the Lasso From El Paso.
1.6.13.1 Inverted cloverleaf
In this variation of a Texas cloverleaf instead of turning around when turning the opponent over,
the wrestler faces the same direction as the opponent to squat and lean forward to apply more
pressure to the legs, spine, and abdomen. This hold is a finisher of Shuji Kondo, for whom the
name “Kondo Clutch” (a more common name for the hold) is named after, known as the Gorilla
Clutch, whom also has a variation where he falls back and applies a body scissors the abdomen
of his opponent.
1.6.13.2 Leglock cloverleaf
This variation of the Texas cloverleaf sees the attacker, after crossing one of the opponents legs
over the other in a figure four shape, lock the over leg behind their near knee before placing the
straight leg under their armpit and turning over. The attacker proceeds to lean back pulling on the
leg under the armpit. This keeps the over leg, now under, locked while putting pressure on the
leg and stretching the legs and back. This hold was innovated by T.J. Perkins who refers to it as
the Figure Four Deathlock.
1.6.13.3 Texas cloverleaf with armlock
An armlock variation of the Texas cloverleaf that is similar to a single leg Boston crab with
armlock. This hold begins with a supine opponent laying face up on the mat. The attacking
wrestler then seizes one of the arms and proceeds to walk over the opponent while continuing to
hold the arm, forcing them to turn over onto their stomach. The attacker then kneels down on the
opponents back, locking the opponent‟s arm behind his knee in the process. The attacker then
reaches over and bends one leg so that the shin is behind the knee of the straight leg and places
the ankle of the straight leg in their armpit. With the same arm, the attacker reaches around the
ankle and through the opening formed by the legs, and locks his hands together as in a Texas
cloverleaf. The attacker then pulls back so as to stretch the legs, back and neck of the opponent
while keeping the arm trapped.
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2. Transition holds
Some holds are meant neither to pin an opponent, nor weaken them or force them to submit, but
2.1 Arm trap
This is when a wrestler holds both the opponent's arms under his own, from here the opponent is
left prone and unable to counter or move away from the wrestler. Al Snow was known to deliver
a series of headbutts from this position, while other wrestlers use this to secure a suplex.
2.2 Butterfly
Also known as a double underhook. The wrestler and the opponent begin facing one another,
with the opponent bent over. The wrestler approaches the opponent and reaches under the
opponent's shoulders, then threads their arms up and around the opponent's torso, with their
hands meeting in the middle of the opponent's back or neck (essentially an inverted full nelson
hold). The hold in itself is not a submission move, and is more commonly a set up for various
throws, drops or slams, but it can be applied from various positions that cause it to become one.
When the opponent is seated on the mat while the wrestler applies the butterfly hold it is known
as a butterfly lock.
Matt Hardy uses a variation named Scar where he applies the double underhook and then wraps
his legs around the torso of the opponent, in a body scissors.
2.3 Crucifix
The wrestler stands in front of and facing a bent over opponent and places them in a standing
waistlock. The wrestler then flips the opponent up and over so the opponent is lying face up on
the back of the wrestler. The wrestler then moves his hands to the upper arm or wrists of the
opponent, holding them in position, and spreading the arms of the opponent (as though they were
being crucified). This is mainly often a set-up for a Crucifix Powerbomb.
2.3.1 Reverse crucifix
The wrestler stands in front of and with their back to a standing opponent. The wrestler then
leans backwards and seizes the opponent around the waist, pulling them forward and upwards so
they are lying across the shoulder of the opponent, facing downwards. The wrestler then takes
hold of the upper arms or wrists of the opponent and spreads them, holding the opponent in
place.
2.4 Electric chair
A transitional hold in which an attacking wrestler hoists an opponent up onto their shoulders so
that they are both facing in the same direction
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It is often used to setup various drops and slams in singles competition. However it is more often
used in double team maneuver, in which another wrestler uses flying attacks to knock opponents
off the shoulders of the wrestler. (See Doomsday Device.)
Like many transition holds, the defensive wrestler often uses the position to perform a variety of
counter moves. Most notably the Victory roll.
2.5 Fireman's carry
The wrestler would bend over with the opponent standing to the side of the wrestler. The
wrestler then pulls the opponent's arm over his/her farthest shoulder and distributes the wrestler's
body over his/her shoulders while having the other hand between and holding onto one of the
opponent's legs and stands up. The opponent is draped face-down across the wrestler's shoulders,
with the wrestler's arms wrapped around from behind. It is a key component of several throws,
drops and slams.
2.6 Gorilla press
A transition lift taken from weight lifting, where the move gets its other common name; Military
press, sees the wrestler lift an opponent up over their head with arms fully extended. From here
many throws, drops and slams can be performed.
It became a popular technique for larger and stronger wrestlers as the lift is seen to emphasize
their height and power.
2.7 Lady of the Lake
This is a move used to trick an unsuspecting opponent. The wrestler sits down, crosses his or her
legs, tucks their head into their chest and wraps one arm around their ankle (so they are
effectively rolled into a ball). The wrestler then extends their remaining arm between their legs
and then waits. The opponent, ostensibly confused, normally takes the offered hand, at which
point the wrestler rolls forward and into an arm lock.
The Lady of the Lake is an old British wrestling technique where it was most useful in the
context of classic rules that limited attacking a downed opponent. The move is often called the
Johnny Saint Special in reference to British wrestler Johnny Saint who popularized the hold
which was invented by his mentor, George Kidd.
2.8 Mount
The wrestler sits on top of the opponent's torso, facing their head, with his legs on either side.
When the opponent is facing down the position is referred to as back mount. Various strikes to
the opponent's head are often performed from this position.
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2.9 Pumphandle
The wrestler stands behind his opponent and bends him forward. One of the opponent's arms is
pulled back between his legs and held, while the other arm is hooked, then the wrestler lifts the
opponent up over his shoulder. From here many throws, drops and slams can be performed.
2.10 Scoop
Facing his opponent, the wrestler reaches between his opponent's legs with one arm and reaches
around their back from the same side with his other arm. The wrestler lifts his opponent up so
they are horizontal across the wrestlers body. From here many throws, drops and slams can be
performed.
2.11 Straight jacket
This is a term that refers to when an attacking wrestler takes hold of an opponent's arms
(wrestler's left hand hold the opponent's right, and visa versa) and crosses them over (like a
Straitjacket). This hold is usually performed from behind but can be performed from in front of
an opponent.
From here many variations of normal moves can be performed; like a Russian leg-sweep variant,
and most notably a cross armed German suplex
There are other variations of the straight jacket hold, one sees the arms crossed around the neck
to allow a wrestler to use the hold as a submission, known as the cross arm choke, to choke out
an opponent with their own arms or to pull down the opponent to the mat in a double arm trap
neckbreaker variant. Another variation sees the attacking wrestler stand over an opponent and
cross their arms underneath them, this allow the attacking wrestler to use the hold to aid in lifting
the opponent off the ground, usually for a powerbomb type move.
2.12 Tilt-a-whirl
The wrestler stands facing the opponent. The wrestler bends the opponent down so they are bent
facing in front on the wrestler's body. The wrestler reaches around the opponent's body with their
arms and lifts them up, spinning the opponent in front of the wrestler's body, often to deliever a
slam or most commonly a Tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.
Usually performed on a charging opponent, this can also be a transition hold for counter attacks
that sees the wrestler (who is being tilt-a-whirled) hit many throws and drops like a DDT or
headscissors takedown.
The maneuver is named after the popular Tilt-A-Whirl carnival thrill ride.
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2.13 Wheelbarrow
This move is achieved when a wrestler wraps a forward facing opponent's legs around his waist
(either by standing behind an opponent who is laying face-first on the mat or by catching a
charging opponent), then the wrestler would apply a gutwrench hold and lift the opponent up off
the ground into the air, then either continue lifting and fall backwards to wheelbarrow suplex, or
forcing the opponent back down to the mat to hit a wheelbarrow facebuster.
This can also can be a transition hold for counter attacks that sees the wrestler (who is being
wheelbarrowed) hit many throws and drops like a DDT or a bulldog and rolling pin
combinations.
3. Miscellaneous
3.1 Airplane spin
A spinning fireman's carry, used to disorient the opponent.
3.2 Armpit claw
The armpit claw was a squeezing of the muscle in the front of the armpit with the four fingers
dug into the armpit and the thumb pressing into the front of the shoulder. The opponent's arm
would bend at the wrist and elbow, and his fingers would curl into a claw. The hold caused great
pain, causing the opponent to submit or to lose all control of his arm and hand, at which point the
referee would call for the bell.
3.3 Collar-and-elbow tie up
This is a stand-up grappling position where both wrestlers have a collar tie, and hold the
opponent's other arm at the elbow. The collar-and-elbow is generally a neutral position, but by
pushing the hand on the elbow up and towards the inside of the opponent's arms, a controlling
wrestler can turn an opponent into a belly-to-back position. Alternatively, if a controlling
wrestler pushes forward while releasing the collar tie they can wrap their extended arm around
the head of their opponent back round to their own other arm to sinch in a side headlock.
3.4 Fish hook
The wrestler bends one of his fingers into a hook, and uses it to stretch the opponent's mouth or
nose. An illegal hold under usual rules.
Austin Aries uses a half surfboard variation, called Fish Hook of Doom, where the opponent is
laying face down. He grabs one of the opponent's wrists with one hand and fish hooks the
opponent's mouth with the other. He then places his knees against the opponent's stretched arm,
and pulls back with his arms.
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3.5 Giant swing
The wrestler takes hold of a supine opponent's legs and pivots rapidly, elevating the opponent
and swinging the opponent in a circle. The wrestler may release the opponent in mid-air or
simply slow until the back of the opponent returns to the ground.
3.6 Skin the cat
Popularized by Ricky Steamboat this defensive maneuver is used when a wrestler is thrown over
the top rope. While being thrown over the wrestler grabs the top rope with both hands and holds
on so that they end up dangling from the top rope but not landing on the apron or on the floor.
The wrestler then proceeds to lift their legs over their head and rotate their body back towards
the ring to go back over the top rope and into the ring, landing in the ring on their feet. Shawn
Michaels is also known to perform this maneuver.
3.7 Sunset flip
This move commonly sees an attacking wrestler dive over an opponent who is facing him/her,
usually bent over forwards, catching the opponent in a waistlock from behind and landing backfirst behind the opponent. From that position the wrestler rolls forward into a sitting position,
pulling the opponent over backwards and down to the mat so that he lands on his back into a
pinning position.
While being held on the shoulders of an attacking wrestler in a position where this second
wrestler is straddeling the head of the attacking wrestler while facing in the other direction; as if
they where about to be powerbombed, the countering wrestler can rolls forward off that
wrestler's shoulders, down their back and perform the sunset flip.
This move can also be performed from the top rope on a grounded opponent, or on an elevated
opponent so that a type of powerbomb can be performed.
3.8 The Matrix
This defensive maneuver sees a wrestler bridge their entire body backward and place their hands
flat on the mat to avoid an attack (often a clothesline). It can also be used to escape a pinfall
attempt and get up quickly. The name, and the move itself, are inspired by a scene in the movie
The Matrix. It is the same as a back-bend or bend-back in acrobatics and gymnastics.
3.9 Tree of woe
This involves a wrestler suspending an opponent upside down on a turnbuckle, with the
opponent's back against being up against it. To do this the opponent's legs are then hooked under
the top ropes, leaving the opponent facing the attacking wrestler, upside down.
Often an attacking wrestler will choke, kick, or stomp the opponent until the referee uses up his
five count. The techniques is also used to trap an opponent while the attacking wrestler runs at
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them and delivers some form of offensive maneuver, such as a running knee attack or a baseball
slide.
The move was originally made famous by Kevin Sullivan, and its name is said to derive from the
movie Conan the Barbarian where in one scene Thulsa Doom commands the captive Conan
"Contemplate this... on the Tree of Woe."
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Volume 3 - Professional Wrestling Throws
Professional wrestling throws are the application of techniques that involve lifting the opponent
up and throwing or slamming him or her down, which makes up most of the action of
professional wrestling. Some of these moves are illegal in some forms of traditional amateur
wrestling because they can cause serious injury, especially in a competitive environment. They
are sometimes also called "power moves", as they are meant to emphasize a wrestler's strength.
There is a wide variety of slams and throws in pro wrestling. Many moves are known by several
different names. Professional wrestlers frequently give their "finisher" (signature moves that
usually result in a win) new names that reflect their gimmick.
1. Airplane spin toss
The wrestler lifts the opponent up on his or her shoulders face up in an Argentine backbreaker
rack, spins around, pushes the opponent up, and moves out of the way, dropping the opponent
down to the mat.
1.1 Spinning crucifix toss
The wrestler lifts the opponent above his or her back with the opponent's arm spread out in a
crucifix hold, spins around, pushes the opponent up, and moves out of the way, dropping the
opponent down to the mat.
2. Armbar takedown
This is a technique in which the wrestler grabs the opponent's arm and pulls him or her down to
the ground by wrenching down on the opponent's arm. It is also known as a Single Arm DDT or
Divorce Court.
The affected area of this attack is the shoulder, not the head as with normal DDTs. The wrestler
grabs the opponent's arm and bars it in front of the wrestler's body so that the wrestler is holding
out the arm with the arm furthest away from the opponent's body. The wrestler then reaches over
the opponent's shoulder and wraps it around his or her opponent's arm with the other. The
wrestler then drops down and drives the opponent's shoulder into the mat.
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3. Armbreaker
An armbreaker is any move, in which the wrestler slams the opponent's arm against a part of the
wrestler's body, usually a knee or shoulder.
4. Arm drag
A move in which the wrestler uses his or her opponent's momentum to the opponent's
disadvantage. The attacker hooks the opponent's arm and flips him or her over onto the mat. The
attacker may roll on to his or her side to give the move extra momentum.
4.1 Japanese arm drag
This move is performed when an opponent runs towards the attacker facing him or her. When the
opponent is in range, the attacker hooks the opponent's near arm with both hands and falls
backwards forcing the wrestler's own momentum to cause him or her to flip forwards over the
head of the attacker and onto his or her back.
4.2 Over-the-shoulder arm drag
Also called a shoulder throw or ipponzei. The wrestler grabs his or her opponent's arm, then
turns to face the other direction and pulls the opponent over his or her shoulder. It is essentially
the same as the ippon seoinage found in Judo.
4.3 Springboard arm drag
An arm drag performed where the attacking wrestler grabs an opponent's arm, runs up the corner
ring ropes and springboards, usually off the top rope, over the opponent. This drags the opponent
by his or her arm to flip over onto the mat or on to the ropes.
5. Arm wringer
An Arm Wringer or Spinning Wristlock is a move in which the wrestler grabs the opponent's
arm by the wrist/arm and twists it over the wrestler's head to spin it around with enough force to
take the opponent to the mat. The maneuver is a popular rest hold in American wrestling. Quite
frequently the move is broken with an Irish Whip, reversed into a hammerlock, or countered with
a reverse elbow or eye rake/gouge.
6. Atomic drop
A move in which the wrestler goes behind an opponent puts his or her head under the opponent's
shoulder and lifts his or her opponent up and then drops him or her tailbone-first on the wrestler's
knee.
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6.1 Inverted atomic drop
A move in which the wrestler puts his or her head under the opponent's shoulder and lifts the
opponent up and then drops him or her "lower abdomen region" or groin first on the wrestler's
knee.
Even though this move is an indirect low blow, it is considered a legal move. Theoretically, it is
the opponent's groin that has impacted with the wrestler's knee, not the other way around.
7. Backbreaker
A back breaker is any move in which the wrestler lifts his/her opponent up and jumps or drops
his/her opponent so that the opponent's back impacts or is bent backwards against a part of the
wrestler's body.
8. Back body drop
A back body drop or backdrop, is a move in which a wrestler bends forward or crouches in
front of his/her opponent, grabs hold of his/her opponent, and stands up, lifting the opponent up
and over and dropping him/her behind the back. It is applied frequently against a charging
opponent.
In Japan, a backdrop is the term for what is called a belly-to-back suplex in America.
8.1 Mountain Bomb
The opponent runs towards the wrestler. The wrestler ducks, hooks one of the opponent's legs
with one of his arms, stands up and falls backwards, flipping the opponent and driving him back
first down to the mat, with the wrestler landing on top of the opponent. Innovated and named by
Hiroyoshi Tenzan.
9. Body slam
A body slam is any move in which a wrestler picks up his or her opponent and throws him or her
down to the ground. When used by itself, the term body slam generally refers to a basic scoop
slam.
9.1 Alabama slam
Described as a double-leg slam, or flapjack spinebuster, this high-angle spinebuster variation
involves a wrestler placing their head between an opponent's knees or under the opponent's arm,
then standing up, holding onto their opponent's legs, so that the opponent is facing the wrestler's
back. The wrestler then simply brings both hands down, throwing the opponent back-first to the
mat. They may also hold the opponent in place while spinning in several circles before throwing
the opponent down. The move has been known by the name Water-Wheel Slam. Named by
Bob "Hardcore" Holly after his home state of Alabama.
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9.2 Biel throw
The wrestler stands to the side of their opponent, grabs them, and throws them forward, causing
them to flip over onto their back. It is considered a very basic technique, so basic that a forward
rolling fall is commonly called a biel bump, and is mainly used by very large wrestlers to
emphasize power and strength over finesse.
9.3 Chokeslam
A chokeslam is any body slam in which the wrestler grasps their opponent's neck, lifts them up,
and slams them to the mat, causing them to land on their back.
9.4 Cobra clutch slam
In this slam a wrestler places the opponent in a cobra clutch and then lift the opponent into the
air by their neck before jumping backwards, falling face down or into a sitting position, driving
the opponent back first down to the mat.
9.5 Fireman's carry slam
The wrestler first drapes an opponent over their shoulders in a fireman's carry position. The
wrestler then takes hold of the thigh and arm of the opponent, which are hung over the front side
of the wrestler, and leans forward, pulling the opponent over their head and shoulders, slamming
them down on their back in front of the wrestler.
A Rolling fireman's carry slam, also known as a Finlay Roll, is a variation that sees the
wrestler keep hold of the opponent and run forward before slamming the opponent to the ground,
using the momentum to roll over the opponent. Mr. Kennedy has been known to perform a
jumping variation from the second rope, and calls it the Green Bay Plunge.
9.6 Fireman's carry takeover
The wrestler kneels down on one knee and simultaneously grabs hold of one the opponent's
thighs with one arm and one of the opponent's arms with his other arm. He then pulls the
opponent on his shoulders and then rises up slightly, using the motion to push the opponent off
his shoulders, flipping him to the mat onto his back. This is usually used as a transition move.
John Cena uses a standing variation of this move as one of his F-U variations, where he stands
up after lifting the opponent over his shoulders, and then flips them over and drops them down
on their back while first tucking the opponents head into his abdomen. To make it look more
"powerful" he lands on his knees. When used on heavy opponents, the user leans side ways to
drop them with a little assist from them by leaning forward to drop themselves easier.
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9.7 Fallaway slam
Also known as a Table Top Suplex. The wrestler, while standing in front of an opponent would
reach between their opponent's legs with one arm and reaches around their back from the same
side with their other arm. The wrestler lifts their opponent up so they are horizontal across the
wrestler's body then falls backward throwing the opponent over their head down to the mat backfirst. This slam can be either bridged into a pin, or the wrestler can float over into another
fallaway slams .
9.8 Full nelson slam
In this move the aggressor places their opponent in a full nelson hold and uses it to lift them off
the ground. Once in the air, the aggressor removes one of their arms (so their opponent is now in
a half nelson) and slams them down to the mat.
9.8.1 Sitout full nelson slam
The wrestler places the opponent in a full nelson. The wrestler then lifts the opponent into the
air, maintaining the hold. The wrestler then drops to a sitting position, driving the lower spine of
the opponent into the ground.
9.9 Gorilla press slam
This slam sees a wrestler first lift their opponent up over their head with arms fully extended (as
in the military press used in weight lifting), before lowering the arm under the head of the
opponent so that the opponent falls to that side, while flipping over and landing on his/her back.
The attacking wrestler may repeatedly press the opponent overhead to show his strength, prior to
dropping them.
In a variation of the move, the wrestler falls to a seated position, slamming the opponent down
between their legs, in a fashion similar to that of the Michinoku Driver II. This is referred to as a
Gorilla Press Driver.
9.10 Gorilla press drop
The wrestler lifts their opponent up over their head with arms fully extended then drops the
opponent down face-first in front or back. It is a popular technique for very large wrestlers
because it emphasizes their height and power. This move is also called the Military Press Slam.
9.11 Half nelson slam
The wrestler stands behind, slightly to one side of and facing the opponent. The wrestler reaches
under one of the opponent's arms with their corresponding arm and places the palm of their hand
on the neck of the opponent, thereby forcing the arm of the opponent up into the air to complete
the half nelson. The wrestler then lifts the opponent up, turns, and falls forward, slamming the
opponent into the mat.
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9.12 Olympic slam
The wrestler stands behind the opponent and grabs hold of one of the opponent's wrists, tucks his
head under that arm's armpit, and wraps his free arm around the near leg of the opponent. The
wrestler then lifts the opponent up on his shoulders sideways, and at the same time spins 90° and
falls down on to his back, slamming the opponent down to the mat back first. Originally named
by Kurt Angle, who later started calling it the Angle Slam. Takashi Sugiura also uses the move,
although he drops the victim on his head.
A wrist-clutch variation is used by Hirooki Goto, who calls it the Go To Heaven. In this
variation instead of just wrapping his arm around the opponent’s leg, he grabs hold of the
opponent's free arm, pulls it down from the front side between the opponent's legs, grabs hold of
the wrist of that arm between the opponent's legs, and then performs the slam.
9.13 Pumphandle drop
The wrestler stands behind their opponent and bends them forward. One of the opponent's arms
is pulled back between their legs and held, while the other arm is hooked. The wrestler then lifts
their opponent up until they are parallel with the wrestler's chest, then throws themselves
forward, driving the back of the opponent into the ground with the weight of the wrestler atop
them.
9.13.1 Pumphandle slam
The wrestler stands behind their opponent and bends them forward. One of the opponent's arms
is pulled back between their legs and held, while the other arm is hooked (pumphandle). The
attacking wrestler uses the hold to lift the opponent up over their shoulder, while over the
shoulder the attacking wrestler would fall forward to slam the opponent against the mat backfirst, normally the type of powerslam delivered is a front powerslam. The move can also see
other variations of a powerslam used, Gene Snitsky is known to drop the opponent into a
Sidewalk slam position; this version is referred to as a Pumphandle Side Slam.
The standard Pumphandle slam was popularized by World Championship Wrestling star Wrath,
who called it the Meltdown.
9.13.2 Pumphandle Michinoku driver II
The wrestler lifts the opponent as with a pumphandle slam, but falls to a sitting position and
drops the opponent between their legs as with a Michinoku Driver II.
This is used as a finisher by Japanese Wrestler Magnum TOKYO who calls it the Egoist Driver
9.13.3 Pumphandle fallaway slam
Also known as the Tilt Suplex. The wrestler hooks up the opponent as a pumphandle slam, then
the wrestler goes through the body movements for the fallaway slam, executing the release of the
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opponent as they enter the apex of the throw, instead of at or just past the apex of the throw like
when one executes the fallaway slam. Usually the opponent then adds effort to gain extra
rotations in the air for effect or to ensure that they do not take the bump on their side.
9.14 Samoan drop
The wrestler drapes an opponent over their shoulders in a fireman's carry position then falls
backwards, driving the opponent down to the mat on their back. The move has been a signature
move for Samoan wrestlers throughout the years.
9.15 Scoop slam
Facing their opponent, the wrestler reaches between their opponent's legs with one arm and
reaches around their back from the same side with their other arm. The wrestler lifts their
opponent up and turns them upside down so that they are held up by the wrestler's arm cradling
their back. The wrestler then throws the opponent to the ground so that they land on their back.
9.16 Side slam
The wrestler stands face to face with the opponent, slightly to their side. The wrestler tucks his
head under the opponent's near arm, reaches across the opponent's chest and around their neck
with his near arm, and places his other arm against their back. The wrestler then lifts the
opponent up and throws them forward while still standing to slam them down to the mat back
first.
This more common powerslam version sees the wrestler falls down to the mat with the opponent.
9.17 Spinebuster
The wrestler starts facing their opponent. They then grab the opponent around the waist and lift
them up, turning 180°, and toss them forward onto their back or slam them down while landing
on top of them. It is usually performed against a charging opponent, using the opponent's own
momentum to power the throw. It is called a rolling or spinning spinebuster in Japan. This
version is generally associated with Arn Anderson and his name is often evoked whenever a
wrestler performs it (Double-A spinebuster, Anderson spinebuster, etc.).
Another version, more commonly used by larger wrestlers, sees the attacker elevate the charging
opponent up and slam them down to the mat without spinning.
10. Brainbuster
A brainbuster, also known as an Avalanche Suplex, is a move in which a wrestler puts his/her
opponent in a front facelock, hooks his/her tights, and lifts him/her up as if he/she was
performing a vertical suplex. The wrestler then jumps up and falls onto his/her back so that the
opponent lands on his/her head while remaining vertical.
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11. Bulldog
A bulldog, is any move in which the wrestler grabs an opponent's head or applies a head lock or
face lock to his/her opponent and jumps forward, so that the wrestler lands, often in a sitting
position, and drives the opponent's face into the mat.
11.1 Cobra clutch bulldog
The wrestler applies a Cobra Clutch and then leaps forward, falling into a sitting position and
driving the face of the opponent into the ground.
11.2 Half nelson bulldog
The wrestler hooks a half nelson hold on his opponent with one arm and his opponents waist
with the other. He then leaps forward into a sitting position, driving the face of the opponent into
the ground.
11.3 One-handed bulldog
The one-handed bulldog is in fact more of a facebuster than an actual bulldog and generally sees
a wrestler run up from behind their opponent, grab the opponent's head with one hand and leap
forward to drive this opponent's face into the mat.
A two-handed variation of this sees the attacking wrestler charge at the opponent and push, with
both hands, down on the back of the opponent to force them gut-first into the mat below.
11.4 Spinning bulldog
The wrestler places the opponent in a modified fireman's carry in which the opponent is held
diagonally across the wrestlers back with their legs across one shoulder and head under the
opposite shoulder (usually held in place with a facelock). The wrestler then spins simultaneously
throwing the opponent's legs off the wrestler's shoulders and dropping to the ground, driving the
opponent's head into the mat in a bulldog position.
11.5 Cutter
See Cutter (professional wrestling)
12. Catapult
A Catapult or Slingshot Catapult is a throw that typically starts with the opponent on his/her
back, and the wrestler standing and facing him. The wrestler hooks each of the opponent’s legs
in one of his/her arms then falls backwards to slingshot the opponent into a turnbuckles, ladders,
ropes etc. This can also be held for a backbreaker.
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13. DDT
Similar to a bulldog, a DDT is any move in which the wrestler falls down or backwards to drive
the opponent's head into the mat. The classic DDT is performed by putting the opponent in a
front facelock and falling backwards so that the opponent is forced to dive forward onto his/her
head.
14. Death Valley driver
Often abbreviated to D.V.D. and known as a Death Valley Bomb in Japan. This is a move in
which a brainbuster-type slam is performed from a fireman's carry. The wrestler falls in the
direction that the opponent's head is facing, driving the opponent's head into the mat.
Louie Spicolli used the move as a finisher during his tenure in Extreme Championship
Wrestling. Upon his death the move was unofficially renamed the Spicolli Driver by announcer
Joey Styles, who would call the move by this name when any wrestler performed it in ECW,
usually by Tommy Dreamer.
Sean O'Haire uses a variation in which he throws out his opponent on the opposite side. He
called this the Widow Maker, and later The Prophecy.
14.1 Inverted Death Valley driver
Also known as a Burning Hammer, or inverted D.V.D.. The move is executed from a
Argentine backbreaker rack (face up, with the neck and one leg cradled) position. The wrestler
falls sideways, driving the opponent's head to the mat.
This is considered an extremely dangerous move as the opponent's body cannot roll with the
natural momentum of the move to absorb the impact. The move was invented by Kyoko Inoue as
the Victoria Driver on December 6, 1996, in a match against Manami Toyota, and was
popularized by Kenta Kobashi as the Burning Hammer.
A cut-throat variation of this driver was innovated by Mark Briscoe, which he named the
Cutthroat Driver, where instead of holding the body of the opponent he would hold the far arm
of the opponent across the opponents own throat, and maintain it by holding the opponents wrist,
before performing the inverted Death Valley driver.
14.2 Side Death Valley driver
A variation between the regular Death Valley driver and the inverted one. The opponent lays on
the shoulders of the wrestler on his side, facing either the opposite or the same direction as the
wrestler, with the wrestler holding the opponent by the lower leg, and either the head or lower
arm. The wrestler then falls sideways, driving the opponent down to the mat shoulder and neck
first.
Kenta Kobashi has used a pumphandle variation known as Wrist-clutch Burning Hammer.
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15. Driver
A Driver is a variation of many moves that involves an opponent being driven down between the
legs of a wrestler (who is dropping to a seated position) on the back of his/her neck/shoulder
area.
15.1 Blue Thunder driver
See Spin-out powerbomb.
15.2 Electric chair driver
In this variation of a driver the wrestler lifts the opponent on his/her shoulders in an electric chair
sitting position and then takes hold of the opponent and pulls them over their shoulder and down
to the mat while falling to a sit out position so that the opponent lands on their upper back and
neck between the legs of the wrestler, facing towards them usually resulting in a pin.
15.3 Fisherman driver
The wrestler places the opponent in a front facelock and hooks one of the opponent's legs with
his free arm. The wrestler then lifts the opponent upside down or onto his shoulders, and then sits
down, driving the opponent between his legs, head and shoulder first.
A wrist-clutch variation of this driver exists which sees the wrestler lift the opponent onto their
shoulders and while the opponent is on their shoulders they use the hand hooking the opponent's
leg to reach upwards and clutch the wrist of the arm opposite the hooked leg. While maintaining
the wrist-clutch they then perform the driver. There is a further variation that does not include
the shoulder lift that sees the wrestler hook the leg and wrist while the opponent is standing in
front of them, lift the opponent upside down and then fall to the sitout position.
15.4 Half nelson driver
The wrestler stands behind the opponent and applies a half nelson hold on his opponent, placing
one of his hands against the opponent's neck after hooking the opponent's arm with it. He the
scoops the opponent's near leg with his other arm and lifts the opponent up, flips the opponent
upside down, and then either kneels or sits down, driving the opponent down to the mat on their
neck.
15.5 Michinoku driver II
Also known as a sitout body slam piledriver but is named after its inventor TAKA Michinoku.
While facing his/her opponent, the wrestler reaches between his/her opponent's legs with one
arm and reaches around his/her back from the same side with his/her other arm. The wrestler lifts
his/her opponent up and turns him/her upside down so that he/she is held up by the wrestler's arm
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cradling his/her back. The wrestler then throws the opponent to the ground as he/she falls to a
sitting position so that the opponent lands on his/her upper back.
This is often simply called a Michinoku Driver because TAKA Michinoku rarely uses the
original Michinoku Driver, a double underhook brainbuster.
15.6 Michinoku driver II-B
TAKA Michinoku also invented a variation of the Michinoku Driver II in which the wrestler
stands behind the opponent, applies an inverted facelock, lifts them upside down, and then drops
down to a sitting position, driving the opponent down to the mat between the wrestler's legs
upper back first.
15.7 Samoan driver
This move is essentially a fireman's carry variation of a Michinoku Driver II. The attacking
wrestler drapes an opponent over their shoulders in a fireman's carry position and then takes hold
of the opponent and pulls them over their shoulder and down to the mat while falling to a sitting
position so that the opponent lands on their upper back and neck between the legs of the wrestler,
facing towards them. Chris Sabin uses a variation of the move called the Cradle Shock, where
the opponent's legs are crossed during the move.
15.8 Tiger driver
Popularized by Mitsuharu Misawa. The wrestler faces a bent over opponent and double
underhooks the opponent's arms. The wrestler then lifts them up, flips the opponent and drops
the opponent on their back while falling to sitting position, often pinning the opponent in the
process. This is also known as a sitout double underhook powerbomb.
Mitsuharu Misawa innovated a variation which he called the Tiger Driver '91 (for the year it
was invented). In this variation, instead of dropping the opponent on their back, they are dropped
on their neck and shoulders, and the wrestler drops to their knees.
There is some dispute over the correct name because the move resembles a Powerbomb more
than a driver - thus, the move is also sometimes referred to as a Tiger Bomb. However, Tiger
Driver is the original and more commonly accepted name. Some consider a double underhook
powerbomb where the wrestler does not sitout to be a Tiger Bomb, while the sit-out variant is
considered the Tiger Driver.
16. Electric chair drop
The wrestler lifts the opponent on his/her shoulders in an electric chair sitting position and then
falls backwards driving the opponent back-first into the mat.
Manami Toyota innovated a cross-armed version which is bridged into a pin, calling it the
Japanese Ocean Cyclone Suplex.
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Frankie Kazarian uses a wrist-lock variation of this move, also bridged into a pin. He calls it
Back to the Future.
16.1 Electric chair bomb
See electric chair facebuster.
17. Facebreaker
A facebreaker is any move in which the wrestler slams his/her opponent's face against a part of
the wrestler's body, usually the knee.
17.1 Facebreaker DDT
The wrestler applies a front facelock and then falls backwards, much like a normal DDT, but
instead of the opponent's head impacting the mat, the wrestler falls to a kneeling, or sitting
position, driving the face of the opponent onto his/her knee.
17.2 Facebreaker knee smash
The knee smash is a standard facebreaker which involves the wrestler facing an opponent and
grabbing hold of them by their head or hair and pulling the opponent's face down, dropping it on
to the wrestler's knee. Often used by a wrestler to stun an opponent and set them up for another
move.
Many other facebreakers use the knee to inflict the damage, one variation sees the wrestler apply
a standing side headlock, and simultaneously pull the opponent forward and smash the wrestler's
knee to the opponent's head.
17.2.1 Double knee facebreaker
This facebreaker involves an attacking wrestler, who is standing face-to-face with an opponent,
hooking both hands around the opponent’s head and then leaping to bring both knees up to the
face of the opponent. The attacker falls backwards to the mat, thus forcing the victim to fall
forwards and impact the exposed knees.
17.3 Hangman's facebreaker
Also described as a over-the-shoulder facebreaker or an inverted snapmare into a
facebreaker. This facebreaker is performed when an attacking wrestler, who is standing in a
back-to-back position with an opponent, reaches back to pull the opponent's head over his/her
shoulder before (while keeping a hold of the opponent's head) spinning round to twist the
opponent's head over as they drop down to one knee forcing the opponent face-first into the
wrestlers exposed knee in one quick fluid motion.
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18. Facebuster
A facebuster, also known as a face plant, is any move in which the wrestler forces his/her
opponent's face down to the mat which does not involve a headlock or facelock. If these are used
then the move is either a DDT or bulldog variation.
Also, inverted Mat Slams are commonly referred to as facebusters.
A standard Facebuster also known as a Jumping facebuster involves the wrestler grabbing hold
of the opponent by his/her head or hair and jumping down, forcing the opponent's face into the
mat.
19. Flapjack
A flapjack is any move that throws the opponent so that he/she is pushed upward and therefore
having him/her fall on his/her front.
In a basic flapjack, a wrestler pushes his opponent upward by reaching under his legs and lifting
him into the air. While retaining the hold on the opponent's leg, the wrestler would fall
backwards, dropping the opponent front-first into the canvas. It is commonly used by a wrestler
when an opponent is charging towards him.
The move is similar to a back drop, but the wrestler pushes upwards so that the opponent falls
onto his/her face instead of falling back-first.
A Hotshot is referred to when a flapjack is performed so that the opponent would fall across the
ring ropes. The finishing move of Eddie Gilbert; "Stunning" Steve Austin also used the hotshot
but referred to it as the Stun Gun.
The fireman's carry flapjack sees the wrestler lift the opponent on to a fireman's carry, and then
throw the upper body of the opponent away from the wrestler while the wrestler falls backwards,
driving the opponent down to the mat chest first.
19.1 Alley Oop
Also known as a reverse powerbomb. The wrestler lifts the opponent so that they are seated on
the wrestler’s shoulders, facing away from him, as in a powerbomb. The wrestler then falls
backwards while throwing the opponent the same way, dropping them down to the mat on their
chest. Tori used a variation of this maneuver where she wouldn't keep the opponent on her
shoulders, but instead, she would do the maneuver very fast so it whipped the opponent.
Another variation of this is best called a Package powerbomb throw, or Steenalizer (The latter
name coming from the most known user of this variation Kevin Steen). This version sees the
wrestler pick the opponent up onto their shoulders in powerbomb position and dropping
backwards while throwing the opponents so that the opponent flips forward and lands on their
neck and upper back.
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20. Giant swing
A Giant swing starts with an opponent lying on the mat, face up, and the wrestler at the
opponent's feet. The wrestler takes the opponent's legs up under his/her arms, similar to the setup
for a catapult, but instead pivots, spinning around to lift the opponent off the mat. The attacking
may release the opponent to send him/her flying, or simply slow until the back of the opponent
returns to the ground.
21. Gutbuster
A Gutbuster is any move in which the wrestler lifts his/her opponent up and jumps or drops
him/her so that the opponent's stomach impacts against part of the wrestler's body, usually the
knee. A basic gutbuster is often called a stomach breaker it is essentially the same as a
backbreaker but with the opponent facing the opposite direction. This similarity with
backbreakers is refected in almost every gutbuster variation, which if inverted would become
backbreakers and visa versa.
21.1 Double knee gutbuster
This gutbuster involves an attacking wrestler who is standing face-to-face with an opponent,
hooking both hands around the opponent's head before then bringing up both knees so that they
are placed on the chest/stomach of the opponent; making the head hold and the wrestlers' sense
of balance are the only things allowing both wrestler to be in an upright position. At this point
the attacking wrestler will shift their weight so that they fall backwards to the mat while forcing
the opponent to fall forwards and impact the exposed knees.
21.2 Elevated gutbuster
This variation of a gutbuster sees an opponent first elevated into a high lifting transition hold
before being dropped down for a gutbuster.
21.2.1 Fireman’s carry gutbuster
This is the most common version of the elevated gutbuster and sees the attacking wrestler first
lift the opponent up across their shoulders; a position known as a “fireman’s carry”, before then
dropping down to one knee while simultaneously elevating the opponent over their head forcing
them to drop down and impact their exposed knee.
A slight variation of this, innovated by Roderick Strong, uses a modified double knee gutbuster
and sees the attacking wrestler drop down to their back while bringing both knees up for the
opponent to land on.
21.2.2 Gorilla press gutbuster
This version of the elevated gutbuster first sees the attacking wrestler lift an opponent over their
head with their arms fully extended; a position known as a “Gorilla press”, before then dropping
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down to one knee while simultaneously elevating the opponent over their head forcing them to
drop down and impact their exposed knee.
21.2.3 Gutbuster drop
An elevated gutbuster in which an attacking wrestler would lift an opponent up, stomach-first,
across one of their shoulders before dropping down to their knees forcing the opponent’s
stomach to impact on the wrestler’s shoulder.
21.3 Rib breaker
A rib breaker is a version of a gutbuster that involves the wrestler scooping the opponent up by
reaching between the legs of the opponent with one arm and reaching around their back from the
same side with his/her other arm. The wrestler then lifts his/her opponent up so they are
horizontal across the wrestler’s body. From here the wrestler drops down to one knee, forcing the
opponent to drop stomach/rib-first against the wrestler's raised knee.
22. Headscissors takedown
The move can be performed two ways, with the wrestler facing up or down. With the wrestler's
legs scissored around the opponent's head, and if the wrestler is facing up, he performs a
backflip, dragging the opponent into a forced somersault that throws the opponent away and on
to their back. If the wrestler is facing down, he bends forward instead of performing a backflip.
Of the two variations the facing down version is more often referred to as a Headscissors
takedown with the facing up version being referred to as a Frankensteiner or Hurricanrana.
A variation where the wrestler forces the opponent to spin before releasing him is referred to as a
Satellite (spinning) headscissors.
Another variation when the attacking wrestler rotates numerous times around the opponent
before performing the head scissors is known as Déjà Vu as named by Dragon Kid.
22.1 Slingshot Headscissors takedown
This move is used by wrestler standing outside the ring. The wrestler catapult himself/herself
using the top rope and then applies the headscissors. This move was used by Mickie James
22.2 Frankensteiner
This move is commonly, if not always, referred to as a huracanrana or hurricanrana, although
it is technically slightly different. The move is described as a headscissors takedown that is
performed against a running opponent. The wrestler jumps on the shoulders of the charging
opponent and performs a backflip, using his momentum to throw the opponent over him and on
to their back.[1]
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It was named "Frankensteiner" by Scott Steiner, who used it as a finishing move.[2] The move
also has a variation where the opponent is sitting on the top rope, that variation is also referred to
as frankensteiner.
Another variation of the Frankensteiner sees a grounded wrestler first "kip-up" on to a standing
opponent's shoulders, this is where a wrestler roll onto the back of his/her shoulders bringing
his/her legs up and kicking forward to build momentum to lift themselves off the floor and on to
the standing opponent. This is often referred to as a kip-up hurricanrana, though technically it's
a frankensteiner.
22.2.1 Reverse frankensteiner
Also known as an Inverted Frankensteiner or Poison Rana, this move is similar to a standard
frankensteiner. The wrestler jumps on the shoulders of an opponent and performs a backflip,
using the momentum to throw the opponent over. However, in this version a wrestler jumps on
the shoulders of an opponent from behind, so that they are facing the same way as the opponent.
By leaning backwards the wrestler attempts to perform a backflip and throw the opponent over
on their belly. Due to the difficulty in performing a backflip with the extra weight often the
ending of this move sees the opponent's head stuck between the legs of the wrestler hitting the
mat first; giving it a resemblance to a back-to-back flip piledriver.
This move is dangerous in that the attacking wrestler cannot let go of the head scissors because
the opponent has no natural momentum with the move so most of the time the opponent lands on
their head between the legs of the wrestler, and if the opponent doesn't aid the backflip enough
the wrestler can end up being crushed by the opponent landing on their back.
22.3 Hurricanrana
The correct name for this maneuver is the Huracarrana, but it is commonly misspelled in
English as Hurricanrana and was invented by Luchador Huracan Ramirez. This is a
Frankensteiner headscissors takedown that ends in a rana pinning hold. The rana is any doubleleg cradle. The huracanrana is typically done with more velocity than the headscissors takedown,
as the opponent needs to land directly underneath the wrestler, instead of being tossed away. [3]
It is often confused with the more impactful non-pinning headscissor variation known as a
Frankensteiner, although the difference is similar to seeing a bridged suplex compared to a
released one.
23. Hip toss
The wrestler stands next to the opponent with both facing the same direction, and the wrestler
hooks their closest arm underneath and behind the opponent's closest armpit. The wrestler then
quickly lifts the opponent up with that arm and throws them forward, which would lead the
wrestler to flip the opponent onto their back to end the move.
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24. Irish whip
Also called a hammer throw. A move in which the wrestler grabs one of his/her opponent's
arms and spins, swinging the opponent into an obstacle such as the ring ropes, a turnbuckle, or
the stairs leading into the ring. One popular use of the Irish whip is to try to "hit for the cycle" by
whipping one's opponent into each corner in turn. An Irish whip into the ring ropes is usually
used to set the opponent up for another technique as he/she bounces off, such as a suplex or
clothesline.
25. Jawbreaker
A jawbreaker is any move in which the wrestler slams his/her opponent's jaw against a part of
the wrestler's body, usually his/her knee, head or shoulder.
A standard jawbreaker is seen when a wrestler (either stands facing or not facing opponent)
places his/her head under the jaw of the opponent and holds the opponent in place before falling
into a sitting or kneeling position, driving the jaw of the opponent into the top of his/her head.
Sometimes it is also used to counter a headlock by the opponent.
25.1 Shoulder jawbreaker
The wrestler stands facing the opponent, places his/her shoulder under the jaw of the opponent
and holds the opponent in place before falling into a sitting or kneeling position, driving the jaw
of the opponent into his/her shoulder.
25.2 Stunner
A Stunner is a sitout three-quarter facelock jawbreaker. It involves an attacking wrestler
applying a three-quarter facelock (reaching behind the head of an opponent, thus pulling the
opponent's jaw above the wrestler's shoulder) before falling to a seated position and forcing the
defender's jaw to drop down on the shoulder of the attacking wrestler. A version of the stunner
has been made popular by "Stone-Cold" Steve Austin, who used it as his finisher.
26. Mat slam
A mat slam is any move in which the wrestler forces the back of the opponent's head into the mat
which does not involve a headlock or facelock. If these are used then the move is considered a
type of DDT (if the wrestler falls backwards) or bulldog.
A standard Mat Slam involves the wrestler grabbing hold of the opponent by his/her head or hair
and pulling back, forcing the back of the opponent's head into the mat.
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26.1 Sitout rear mat slam
The wrestler takes hold of their opponent from behind, holding them by either their hair or the
top of their head. The wrestler then jumps backwards and falls to a sitting position, driving the
back of the opponent's head into the ground between their legs.
A variation sees the wrestler run up the corner turnbuckles, perform a backflip over a chasing
opponent, and at the same time grab hold of the opponents head and perform the slam.
26.2 Sleeper slam
This slamming version of a headlock takedown sees a wrestler apply a sleeper hold to the
opponent, then falls face first to the ground, pulling the opponent down with them and driving
the back and head of the opponent into the ground.
Chris Jericho uses a slight variation, called the Flashback, where he catches the head of a
charging opponent, swinging around them to pull them down to the mat. A similar variation is
used by Hiroshi Tanahashi, named the Sling Blade, in which he runs towards an opponent,
catches their head, swings around them and pulls their head down to the mat with him.
Another variation is used by Matt Hardy, dubbed the Side Effect, in which Hardy faces the
opponent and grabs hold of their upper body, lifts them up and swings his legs forward, bringing
the opponent down to the mat with him, onto their upper back.
26.3 Tilt-a-whirl mat slam
As the name suggests the wrestler would first use a tilt-a-whirl to raise the opponent into a bellyto-belly (piledriver) position, from here the wrestler would fall forward planting the opponent
into the mat back-first.
The move is sometimes named by fans and independent commentators as an "Inverted Styles
Clash" in reference to a belly-to-back version. Though not often used by many wrestlers, this
mat slam does happen as a result of other botched (poorly executed) moves. When a wrestler is
lifted for a standard tilt-a-whirl slam they can often be positioned wrong a land in this fashion,
also when wrestlers are performing tombstone piledriver if the weight isn't properly distributed
the attacking wrestler can fall forward instead of straight down; hitting a mat slam rather than the
piledriver they are attempting.
27. Monkey flip
This move, often referred to as a Monkey Climb in British wrestling, involves an attacking
wrestler, who is standing face-to-face with an opponent, hooking both hands around the
opponent's head before then bringing up both legs so that they place their feet on the hips/waist
of the opponent; making the head hold and the wrestlers' sense of balance are the only things
allowing both wrestler to be in an upright position. At this point, the attacking wrestler would
shift their weight so that they fall backwards to the mat while forcing the opponent to fall
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forwards with them only to have the attacking wrestler push up with their legs forcing the
opponent to flip forwards, over the wrestler's head, onto their back.
This move is most commonly performed out of a ring corner. This is due to it being easier to
climb onto an opponent while in the corner as balance is easily retained, and it allows the
maximum length of ring to propel the opponent across.
28. Muscle Buster
The move is performed when an attacking wrestler hooks both an opponent's legs with his/her
arms and tucks their head in next to the opponent's before standing and lifting the opponent up,
so that they are upside down with their head resting on the attacking wrestler's shoulder. From
this position, the attacking wrestler jumps up and drops down to the mat, driving the opponent
shoulder first down to the mat with the opponent's neck impacting both the wrestler's shoulder
and the mat.
This can see the wrestler pick up an opponent who is standing but bent forward but it often
begins with an opponent who is sitting on an elevated position, usually a top turnbuckle, because
it's easier to hook and lift an opponent when they are positioned higher than the wrestler.
Samoa Joe is noted for often using an Avalanche Muscle Buster, where he would fall to the mat
from a raised platform, usually the second rope.
The move also has a neckbreaker variation which focuses more of the attack on the opponent's
neck.
29. Neckbreaker
There are two general categories of neckbreaker, which are related only in that they attack the
opponent's neck.
One category of neckbreaker is the type of move in which the wrestler slams his/her opponent's
neck against a part of the wrestler's body, usually his/her knee, head or shoulder.
A neckbreaker slam is another technique in which the wrestler throws his/her opponent to the
ground by twisting the opponent's neck. also a back head slam or, when a wrestler drops to the
mat while holding an opponent by their neck, without having to twist it.
30. Piledriver
A Piledriver is any move in which the wrestler grabs their opponent, turns them upside-down,
and drops into a sitting or kneeling position, driving the opponent's head into the mat. Other
variations focus the attack on the neck, rather than the head.
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31. Powerbomb
A powerbomb is a move in which an opponent is lifted up into the air and then slammed down
back-first to the mat.[4]
The standard Powerbomb sees the opponent placed in a standing headscissors position (bent
forward with their head placed between the attacker's thighs), lifted up on the wrestler's
shoulders, and slammed back-first down to the mat.
32. Powerslam
A powerslam is any slam in which the wrestler performing the technique falls face-down on top
of his/her opponent.
The use of the term "powerslam" usually refers to the front powerslam and the scoop powerslam.
33. Shin breaker
The wrestler faces the opponent from the side, slightly behind. He tucks his head under the
opponent's near armpit, and grabs hold of the opponent's near leg, bending it fully. He then lifts
the opponent up and slams him downwards, impacting the opponent's bent leg on one of the
wrestler's knee. This move is used to weaken the leg for a submission maneuver.
34. Shoulderbreaker
A shoulderbreaker is any move in which the wrestler slams his/her opponent's shoulder against
any part of the wrestler's body, usually the shin or knee. This move is normally used to weaken
the arm for a submission maneuver.
This move would usually see the wrestler turn the opponent upside-down and drop the opponent
shoulder-first on the wrestler's knee. Usually the opponent is held over the wrestler's shoulder in
either a Powerslam position, or less commonly an inverted powerslam position.
35. Snake Eyes
This move sees the attacker place the opponent stomach down on his or her shoulder such that
they both are facing the same direction. The attacker then throws the opponent face-first onto a
turnbuckle. The move was made popular by Kevin Nash during his early 90's WCW gimmick of
Vinnie Vegas.
36. Snapmare
With the wrestler's back to the opponent, he/she applies a three-quarter facelock or cravate,
kneels down, and then pulls the opponent forward, flipping them over his/her shoulder down to
the mat, back first.
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36.1 Snapmare driver
A high impact variation of the snapmare where instead of flipping the opponent over, the
wrestler drops down either on their chest or down on their knees and drives the opponent's head
down to the mat forehead first, with the three quarters face lock
37. Suplex
A suplex is the same as the amateur suplay, a throw which involves arching/bridging either
overhead or twisting to the side, so the opponent is slammed to the mat back-first. The term
suplex (without qualifiers) can also refer specifically to the vertical suplex.
38. Iconoclasm
This top rope flipping slam sees a wrestler stand under an opponent, who is situated on the top
turnbuckle, turn his/her back to this opponent while taking hold of the opponent's arms from
below, often holding underneath the opponent's arm pits. The wrestler would then throw the
opponent forward while falling to a seated position, flipping the opponent over in midair, and
slamming them down to the mat back first. The Iconoclasm was popularized and named by
Dragon Gate wrestler, CIMA.[5][6] There is also a cross armed variation.
Christopher Daniels uses a variation, which he calls the Fall From Grace, in which Daniels
wraps one of the opponent's arms around their own neck and throws them down by the wrapped
arm.
39. Trips and sweeps
39.1 Double leg takedown
A tackle where the intention is to force the opponent down on their back by tackling them at their
waist or upper thighs. This usually involves grabbing the opponent with both arms around the
opponent's legs while keeping the chest close to the opponent, and using this position to force the
opponent to the ground.
39.2 Dragon screw
This is a legwhip where a wrestler grabs an opponent's leg and holds it parallel to the mat while
they are facing each other. The attacking wrestler then spins the leg inwards causing the
opponent to fall off balance and twist in the air bringing them to the ground in a turning motion.
Popularized by Tatsumi Fujinami who gave the move its name.
39.2.1 Mandala hineri
Also referred to as Mandara Twist, this is a variant of the dragon screw where the wrestler spins
to the outside, causing leg damage and causing their opponent to go airborne.
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39.3 Drop toe-hold
The wrestler falls to the ground, placing one foot at the front of the opponent's ankle and the
other in the back of the shin. This causes the opponent to fall face first into the ground. It is
sometimes used illegally to force an opponent into a chair or other elevated weapon; it is also
used occasionally to force an opponent face-first into the turnbuckles, stunning him/her or her
momentarily. Also referred to as a Scissor Sweep.
Raven uses this move to trip opponents head-first to an upright chair.
39.4 Half nelson legsweep
The wrestler stands behind, slightly to one side of and facing the opponent. The wrestler reaches
under one of the opponent's arms with his/her corresponding arm and places the palm of his/her
hand on the neck of the opponent, thereby forcing the arm of the opponent up into the air (the
Half Nelson). The wrestler then uses his/her other arm to pull the opponent's other arm behind
the opponent's head, so both opponent's arms are pinned. The wrestler then hooks the opponent's
near leg and throws themselves backwards, driving the opponent back-first to the ground.
39.5 Russian legsweep
Also known as a Side Russian legsweep. A move in which a wrestler stands side-to-side and
slightly behind with the opponent, facing in the same direction, and reaches behind the
opponent's back to hook the opponent's head with the other hand extending the opponent's
nearest arm, then while hooking the opponent's leg the wrestler falls backward, pulling the
opponent to the mat back-first.
There is also a facebuster variation of this move.
39.5.1 Three-quarter facelock Russian legsweep
The wrestler stands in front of, facing away from and slightly to one side of the opponent. The
wrestler then reaches behind themselves and applies a three-quarter facelock to the opponent.
The wrestler then hooks the opponent’s near leg with their own near leg and sweeps the leg
away, simultaneously throwing themselves backwards, thus driving the opponent to the ground
(with the weight of the wrestler on top of them) and wrenching the opponent’s neck.
39.6 Schoolboy
This technique gives its name to the schoolboy bump and is performed when the wrestler drops
down to his/her knees behind the opponent and forces his/her bodyweight forward to trip the
opponent over the attacking wrestler so that they fall flat on their back.
The name schoolboy also refers to a roll-up pin.
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39.7 STO
STO (Space Tornado Ogawa) is a sweep in which a wrestler wraps one arm across the chest of
his/her opponent and sweeps the opponent's leg with his/her own leg to slam the other wrestler
back-first. This can also be a lariat-legsweep combination to slam down opponent. Same as the
judo sweep O-soto-gari. Naoya Ogawa, a former Olympic judoka, adapted the move into pro
wrestling.
39.7.1 Claw-hold STO
Also known as an STK (Space Tornado Kensuke) as named by Kensuke Sasaki. This move is a
STO where the wrestler would first apply a clawhold with one hand before sweeping his/her
opponent’s legs to slam down the opponent’s head on the mat.
39.7.2 Reverse STO
See Complete Shot
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Volume 4 - Professional Wrestling Aerial Techniques
Aerial techniques are used in professional wrestling to show off the speed and agility of a
wrestler. These moves are mainly done by smaller quicker wrestlers who are unable to do most
of the power moves. There is a wide variety of aerial techniques in pro wrestling. Many moves
are known by several different names. Professional wrestlers frequently give their "finishers"
(signature moves that usually result in a win) new names. Occasionally these names become
popular and are used regardless of the wrestler performing the technique.
Due to injuries being caused by these high risk moves, many promotions ban the use of some
maneuvers, or at least tell wrestlers to "tone down" their use. During 2005, World Wrestling
Entertainment (WWE) allegedly banned the use of the 450° splash and shooting star press for
fear of injury. However, WWE commentator and former executive Jim Ross stated in 2006 that
he was unaware of such a policy.[1]
1. Arm twist ropewalk chop
The wrestler grabs a hold of one of the opponent's wrists, and twists that arm. The wrestler then
climbs up the corner turnbuckles and walks on the top rope, before jumping down and clubbing
the opponent on their chest or back of their neck. This attack is widely known in America as Old
School, a name used by The Undertaker.
Other users have been known to add something extra to the move. Jinsei Shinzaki uses a
variation of that sees him grab his opponent while he's on the ring apron, and his opponent is in
the ring. He then leaps up to the top rope, using the opponent's wrist as a steady, and does a
praying walk on the top rope, round the turnbuckle, and jumps down, chopping his opponent.
Sonjay Dutt also has a variation, during which he makes a "sprinkler" dance motion while on the
ropes before dropping down onto his opponent.
1.1 Arm twist ropewalk legdrop
Similar to a ropewalk chop, except instead of leaping down and chopping the opponent, the
attacking wrestler holds the arm out, jumps off the rope and pushes the opponent to the mat by
performing a leg drop onto the opponent, usually on the chest or arm.
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2. Axe handle
Also known as a 'Double Axe Handle', Double Axe Handle Smash' or Double Sledge, this is
accomplished by jumping from the top turnbuckle to the mat or floor and striking your opponent
with two fists held together in the fashion of holding an axe. This is usually done on a standing
or rising opponent, not a prone one.
3. Crossbody
This move is used by many, usually light, wrestlers and is often known as a flying crossbody
(but usually just referred to as crossbody or cross body block) which is the elevated version of
the crossbody maneuver in which a wrestler jumps from an elevated position (usually the top
turnbuckle) onto an opponent, landing horizontally across the opponent's torso, forcing them to
the mat and usually resulting in a pinfall attempt.
3.1 Reverse crossbody
This term refers to a variation where the wrestler, who is on an elevated position and facing away
from the opponent, performs a twisting backflip and lands on a standing opponent horizontally
across the opponent's torso as in the regular variation.
Though these can be accomplished from the top turnbuckle to an opponent inside the ring, other
versions exist where the wrestler goes over the top rope to the outside. In lucha libre, this is
called a Pescado aka Plancha.
4. Diamond Dust
Named by Masato Tanaka this move is a Forward somersault three-quarter facelock
bulldog/jawbreaker performed by an attacking wrestler from an aerial platform.
This move involves the attacking wrestler standing on a platform (i.e. the second turnbuckle, or
sitting on the top turnbuckle) and facing the back of a standing opponent while applying an
inverted facelock. From this position the attacking wrestler leaps forward, somersaulting, to roll
the inverted facelock into a three-quarter facelock, as they fall the wrestler drops to a seated
position and driving the opponent's jaw into their shoulder for a jawbreaker, or, the wrestler falls
back-first forcing the opponent's face into the mat/shoulder for the bulldog.
Chris Hero uses a variation where he begins with a cravate and somersaults forward from the
second rope while maintaining the hold forcing the opponent to twist 360° into the cutter.
5. Diving bulldog
This is a Bulldog (head-lock takedown) performed by a wrestler from an elevated position. A
bulldog is a move in which the wrestler applies a head lock or face lock to his opponent and
leaps forward, so that the wrestler lands on his back or in a sitting position, driving the
opponent’s face into the mat.
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A standard diving bulldog sees a wrestler jump down on an opponent from an elevated platform
and apply any version of a headlock to take down the opponent to the mat.
5.1 Springboard bulldog
This is a bulldog performed after springboarding (bouncing) off the ring ropes. In some cases a
headlock is first applied before the wrestler bounces off the ropes. The most popular version of
this was used by Trish Stratus, who called it Stratusfaction. All types of bulldog can be
performed in this way including the three-quarter facelock bulldog (cutter) variation which sees
the wrestler run up to ropes while applying three-quarter facelock then dropping the opponent to
the mat face first.
Another version is the springboard bulldog is seen where a wrestler will springboard off the ring
ropes before applying the headlock. While flying towards an opponent, a wrestler catches his
opponent in a headlock and then drives the opponent into the ground as the wrestler falls to the
mat.
6. Diving elbow drop
A diving elbow drop is executed by diving onto a prone opponent with one's elbow cocked,
driving the elbow into the opponent's shoulder or chest or head.
6.1 Axe handle elbow drop
The wrestler sits on the top turnbuckle with a foot on each second rope, facing a supine
opponent. The wrestler then leaps towards the opponent, clasping their forearms together, and
lands on their knees, driving both elbows into the shoulder or chest of the opponent.
6.2 Corkscrew elbow drop
The wrestler stands on the top turnbuckle with the opponent lying face up on the mat. The
wrestler then leaps at the fallen opponent at the same time executing a 360 horizontal turn before
driving the elbow into the opponent with increased force. This move can be done without the use
of the top turnbuckle.
6.3 Diving back elbow drop
A less common variation on a diving elbow drop; the wrestler stands on the top turnbuckle
facing away from the opponent then leaps backwards, extending and cocking one elbow. This
allows for greater range but less precision.
6.4 Shooting star elbow drop
The wrestler leaps towards a prone opponent from an elevated position, executes a backflip in
mid-air, and lands with their elbow cocked, driving the elbow into the opponent.
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7. Diving fist drop
A fist drop is a move in which a wrestler jumps down from the turnbuckle on an opponent
driving his fist into the opponent's chest or head.
8. Diving headbutt
A diving headbutt is a jumping or sometimes free fall headbutt delivered from the top turnbuckle
to anywhere on the opponent's body. The move was innovated accidentally by Harley Race,
when he fell from the top turnbuckle onto his opponent. He adapted it as a signature move, and it
was then adapted and further popularized by The Dynamite Kid. [2]
Race has stated that he regrets inventing the move because he feels that it has had a part in giving
various wrestlers who utilize the move spine problems, most notably The Dynamite Kid.
Some versions include a "swan dive" style, where the performer spreads his arms out while
falling. The "swan dive" is the most popular version today and its popularity was closely
associated with Chris Benoit who popularized it as one of his finishing maneuvers.
El Santo and El Hijo del Santo use a swan dive variation where they hit the opponent in the
abdomen, called Topé de Cristo in Spanish.
Jun Izumida uses a variation where he turns 45° to his side in mid-air, tucking his arm beneath
him. He calls it Meteorite.
9. Diving hurricanrana
Also known as Diving huracanrana. This move is executed by jumping forward off the top rope
with legs apart, straddling a standing opponent's shoulders, while using the momentum to snap
off a hurricanrana.
9.1 Dragonrana
In this variant of the diving hurricanrana, the wrestler first performs a front flip from the top rope
before executing a true hurricanrana in to a pin. The technique is named by and after the wrestler
Dragon Kid, pupil of Ultimo Dragon, who invented the maneuver. [3]
9.2 Springboard hurricanrana
The variant sees a wrestler, on the ring apron, first use the top ring rope to springboard (bounce)
towards an opponent in the ring, straddling the standing opponent's head so the wrestler is seated
on the opponent's shoulders, while using the momentum to snap off a hurricanrana. Popularized
by Rey Mysterio who dubbed it the West Coast Pop.
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10. Diving knee drop
A move in which a wrestler will jump from a raised platform (the top turnbuckle, the apron, etc)
and land his knee on a prone opponent.
10.1 Calf branding
This diving knee drop bulldog sees the opponent standing near one of the ring corners facing
towards the center of the ring, while the wrestler is standing on the second turnbuckle. From
there the wrestler would grab hold of the opponent and place one knee against the base of the
opponent's neck, push away from the corner and drive the opponent down to the mat face first landing on the opponent's upper body, and driving their knee to the neck of the opponent.
Popularized by Hiroyoshi Tenzan.
11. Diving leg drop
Also called a Guillotine Legdrop, This diving attack sees a wrestler jump forward from a raised
platform (i.e. top turnbuckle, the ring apron, etc) landing the bottom side of his/her leg across an
opponent (usually on the throat or face).
Kenny Dykstra uses a high elevation version of this move, for which he jumps off the turnbuckle
and tucks his legs behind him, and extending them at the last second for the legdrop.
11.1 Moonsault leg drop
This variation sees the wrestler perform a top turnbuckle moonsault but instead of landing on the
opponent in a splash position the wrestler would continue the rotation to drive his leg across an
opponent who is lying on the ground.
11.1 Diving leg drop bulldog
This is a diving version of the leg drop bulldog, that sees the wrestler springboarding off one of
the ropes or jumping from the top turnbuckle and dropping their leg across the back of the head
of an opponent who is leaning forward.
Shannon Moore used a variation where he performed a leg drop bulldog from the top rope on an
opponent who was also positioned on the top rope, causing both to dive from the top rope.
11.2 Somersault corkscrew leg drop
The wrestler is standing on an elevated position. He then jumps forward, flipping and rotating
360° simultaneously, and lands his leg on the chest of the opponent laying beneath him. Often
turned into a senton, and less often press, due to the difficulty in aiming.
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11.3 Somersault legdrop
The wrestler performs a forward somersault from a raised platform while descending to drop
their leg across the throat or chest of an opponent.
11.4 Shooting star legdrop
This move sees an attacking wrestler jump forward from an elevated position, executing a
backflip in mid-air and keeps revolving backwards so that they perform a legdrop so that they
land the bottom side of their leg across the opponent's throat, chest or face.
11.5 Corkscrew shooting star legdrop
The wrestler performs a shooting star legdrop, but during the backflip executes a 180° body
rotation. The only difference between this move and the shooting star legdrop is the wrestler
lands in the opposing direction.
11.6 Corkscrew Kelvin spin/Dragon spinner
The wrestler performs a corkscrew moonsault off the top turnbuckle onto the fallen opponent.
Except when doing a corkscrew moonsault extend all arms and all legs out stretched and then
when landing land on back. Invented by Kelvin Tayag
11.7 Springboard legdrop
A move in which a wrestler who is standing on the ring apron springboards (bounces) off the top
ring rope in towards a fallen opponent in the ring, landing the bottom side of their leg across the
opponent's throat, or face. This move sees the attacking wrestler land their leg across the back of
the neck instead of the throat if the opponent is situated face-down.
There is also a variation known as the Triple Jump Legdrop where, from a running start, the
wrestler jumps to a chair, to the top ring rope and then performs a springboard leg drop to an
opponent on the outside of the ring. This move is used by Sabu.
12. Diving shoulder block
The wrestler dives of an elevated position, tucks his arms, and strikes the opponent with one of
his shoulders to the upper body.
12.1 Diving spear
This is a diving shoulder block takedown. A move in which a wrestler will jump from a raised
platform i.e. top-rope, and drive their shoulder into the opponent's torso, forcing them down to
the mat.
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13. Diving stomp
When a wrestler jumps down from a raised platform on an opponent dropping his foot onto any
part of an opponent's body.
13.1 Diving double foot stomp
When a wrestler jumps down from a raised platform on an opponent driving both his feet into
anywhere on the opponent's body.
13.2 Mushroom stomp
While situated on the middle rope of a turnbuckle, a wrestler will jump over a charging wrestler,
pressing his feet off their back to push them into the turnbuckle with more force, before landing
on their own two feet. The technique's name is a reference to the stomping attacks used by video
game character Mario, often on mushroom-themed enemies and environments.
13.3 Moonsault double foot stomp
This variation sees the wrestler perform a moonsault but instead of landing on the opponent in a
splash position the wrestler would continue the rotation so that he/she would be able to drive
both feet into an opponent who is laying on the ground.
13.4 Shooting star double foot stomp
This variation of the double foot stomp used by independent wrestler T. J. Cannon sees the
wrestler perform a shooting star press and continue the rotation to land on both feet, more often
that not on an opponent.
14. Flying clothesline
A move in which a wrestler will jump from an elevated position and perform a clothesline to a
standing opponent. Kane uses the flying clothesline regularly, but adds a somersault to his
landing in the case of an opponent ducking.
A version of this move, called a Flying Lariat which is similar but involves the wrestler
wrapping his arm around the opponents head.
15. Flying back elbow
A move in which the wrestler will jump from an elevated position (usually the top turnbuckle or
the middle rope) and strike a standing opponent with the back of his or her elbow.
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16. Flying neckbreaker
A neckbreaker in which the attacking wrestler jumps from a raised platform (usually the second
turnbuckle) and grabs an opponent's neck while in midair, thereby taking them down with a
neckbreaker.
The most common variation of this is the Flipping Neckbreaker or Blockbuster which is a
neckbreaker where the attacking wrestler performs a somersault, and while flipping, catches the
opponents head ending in a falling neckbreaker. This was made famous by Buff Bagwell, who
called it the Buff Blockbuster.
A variation of the flipping neckbreaker is used by Shannon Moore who catches the head of an
opponent who is bent over and facing one side to perform an aerial version of a front flip
neckbreaker, he calls this the Punk Out / Mooregasm.
CM Punk uses a corkscrew variation of the flipping neckbreaker as a reversal to a corner Irish
whip or corner flapjack. When running to the corner, or being thrown onto the corner, Punk leaps
or lands onto the second turnbuckle, performs a corkscrew somersault, and catches the opponent
in the neckbreaker.
17. Flying spinning heel kick
A move in which the wrestler will jump from an elevated position (usually the top turnbuckle)
and strike a standing opponent with spinning heel kick in mid-air.
18. Flying thrust kick
Executed when a wrestler jumps from a raised platform (usually the top turnbuckle), and hits a
standing opponent with a thrust kick in mid-air. "Gentleman" Chris Adams invented this
maneuver in the late-1980s, calling it a "flying superkick".
19. Frankensteiner
This is a headscissors takedown executed on an opponent sitting on the top turnbuckle. With the
attacking wrestler's legs scissored around the opponent's head while they face each other, the
wrestler performs a backflip to swing through the opponent's open legs, dragging the opponent
into a forced somersault that distances the wrestler from the opponent, who lands on their back. [4]
The name Frankensteiner comes from Scott Steiner, who popularized the move.[5] Steiner also
used a variation where the opponent wasn't seated on the top turnbuckle, which is also called
frankensteiner. The move is also commonly called a top rope Huracanrana or Hurricanrana,
although technically that move is slightly different.
Elix Skipper uses a variation of this in which he walks on the top ring rope before he gives an
opponent, who is seated on the top rope, a huracanrana. Technically called a ropewalk rana,
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Skipper calls it New School in reference to the arm twist ropewalk chop, Old School, performed
by The Undertaker.
A handstand variation can also be used. With the opponent seated on the top turnbuckle facing
the ring, the wrestler performs a handstand on the bottom turnbuckle, wrapping their shins or feet
around the neck of the opponent. They then bend their legs forward towards the ring, pulling the
opponent over and flipping them down to the mat onto their back. This variation was popularized
by Trish Stratus who called the move the StratusFear.[6]
19.1 Reverse frankensteiner
Also known as an Inverted Frankensteiner or Poison Rana. This is a headscissors takedown
executed on an opponent sitting on the top turnbuckle. However, unlike a standard
frankensteiner, the opponent is facing away from the ring on the top turnbuckle thus the
opponent backflips over and land on their chest rather than their back. This move can also be
performed to the outside of the ring if the opponent is facing the inside of the ring or sitting on
one edge of the corner turnbuckle facing the audience with both legs on the outside of the ring on
the same side.
This is a very dangerous variation which as, like an inverted death valley driver, the opponent
can not roll naturally with the momentum of the move to cushion the fall leading to a possibility
they will land on their head or neck and in addition to that it's also a danger to the attacking
wrestler as the wrestler needs to be almost vertical to lift up the opponent off the turnbuckle, as
the opponent can not somersault themselves off the turnbuckle, and if the move is botched would
mean the opponent would land directly on the vertical wrestler driving them head and neck first
into the mat.
20. Moonsault
A move in which a wrestler executes a backflip and lands on an opponent. [7][8] A basic moonsault
is generally attempted from the top turnbuckle, though a myriad of variations exist.
20.1 Moonsault slam
Any move where the wrestler stands on an elevated position, grabs hold of the opponent, and
performs a moonsault while still holding on to the opponent, driving them down to the mat.
The most popularly used version is known as a solo Spanish fly or Avalanche Inverted
Shiranui which is a moonsault side slam named after the double team variation. There is a
variation of this version which is not performed off an elevated position, called a standing
moonsault side slam.
A falling slam version is used by Último Guerrero, where the wrestler holds his opponent across
his chest and then performs the moonsault. A standing version of this was called a Blockbuster
Suplex and was innovated by Scott Steiner
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Matt Sydal uses a belly to belly version named Cyclorama where he faces his opponent on the
top turnbuckle, wraps his arms around the opponent's torso and then performs the moonsault,
slamming the opponent down to the mat back first.
21. Missile dropkick
A dropkick from an elevated surface such as a turnbuckle, a table or a ladder to a standing
opponent.
22. Plancha
An accepted term in American wrestling for a slingshot crossbody where the wrestler goes from
the inside of the ring over the top ring rope to the outside. In lucha libre, this is called a Pescado
when the top ring rope is used for a slingshot, though the term plancha has been popularly
accepted in American wrestling for the same maneuver. In America a move from the top
turnbuckle to a standing opponent on the outside where the chests impact each other is also
commonly referred to as a plancha.
Plancha is also used in America to refer to any attack from the ring to the outside in which the
wrestler impacts their chest against the opponents chest. For example, a shooting star press to the
outside onto a standing opponent is referred to as a shooting star plancha. [9]
23. Senton
A senton splash is similar to a splash. However, instead of impacting stomach first, the wrestler
lands back first across the opponent.[10]
23.1 630° senton
The wrestler performs a senton, flipping 630 degrees forward before landing, i.e. one full
rotation (360 degrees) following by a somersault senton (270 degrees). Popularized by Jack
Evans, who uses this as his finisher.
23.1.1 Corkscrew 630° senton
The wrestler, facing away from the ring and situated on the top turnbuckle, performs a 180° turn
in mid-air and then performs a 630° senton onto a laying opponent.
23.2 Corkscrew senton
This senton is performed by executing a backflip from the top turnbuckle, then spinning 180°,
landing on a fallen opponent back-first. However, this move often ends with a legdrop instead of
a senton, due to the difficulty of execution.
The corkscrew senton can also see the wrestler hit the move on a standing opponent. This is
often referred to as a Halo, a name closely associated with Shannon Moore. This move was also
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deemed Whisper in the Wind by Jeff Hardy, though Jeff Hardy performs this when he is irish
whipped towards the turnbuckle by an opponent and proceeds to run up the turnbuckle while
facing it.
Corkscrew senton can also refer to a move in which a wrestler, who is on the top rope facing
away from the ring, jumps backwards and turns 180° in midair before performing a senton bomb.
23.3 Imploding senton bomb
A variant of an imploding 450 splash, this sees a wrestler facing away from the ring while on the
top turnbuckle jump backwards executing a senton bomb on to a laying opponent.
23.4 Seated senton
Known in lucha libre as a "La Silla", this variant on the senton which sees the wrestler use
his/her tailbone and lower body in a seated position to force the opponent to the mat rather than
using their whole back. This seated senton is performed by jumping forward off a raised platform
or springboarding on to the shoulders of a standing opponent forcing them to the ground. This
can also be performed onto an opponent prone on the mat.
A variation of this move known as a Banzai Drop, sees a wrestler who is standing above a fallen
opponent, go up onto the second turnbuckle (facing away from the ring) and jump down
dropping his/her buttocks on the opponent's body (usually the chest or stomach). This move is
basically a butt drop from a raised platform and was originated by Yokozuna.
23.4.1 Molly-Go-Round
This variant on the seated senton, which is technically described as a flipping seated senton, is
performed by flipping forward off a raised platform on to the shoulders of a standing opponent
forcing them to the ground in a pinning position. The move gained its name through its use by
Molly Holly.[11]
23.5 Senton bomb
This variant on the senton is performed by leaping from the top turnbuckle (or other raised
surface),[10] flipping forward 270°, and landing on the opponent back-first in the standard senton
position.
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23.5.1 High-Angle Senton Bomb
Jeff Hardy performing his Swanton Bomb (high-angle senton bomb) finisher to Chris Jericho
A variant of the senton bomb, sees an attacking wrestler leaping off the top turnbuckle keeping
their bodies straight and arms out-stretched, making it resemble a swan dive, [10] and then waiting
until the last moment to execute the flip, so that they just barely complete it when impacting with
the opponent. This move was popularized by Jeff Hardy, who named it the Swanton Bomb.[12]
23.6 Shooting star senton
The wrestler jumps forward from an elevated position, executing a backflip in mid-air to perform
a shooting star, but continues the rotation after the initial backflip and lands on a downed
opponent in the senton position. Popularized by Yoshitsune, who calls this move Shura.
24. Shiranui
The shiranui is a springboard backflip three-quarter facelock diving reverse DDT, which has
also been known as Sliced Bread #2, Ninja, and Shinobi. Invented by Naomichi Marufuji, this
move has a wrestler puts a Three-quarter facelock on the opponent and runs up a vertical surface,
usually the corner turnbuckles, and jumps backwards, performing a backflip in the air, and
landing face down to the mat, driving the opponent back-first down to the mat.
In a slight variation the wrestler lands instead to a seated position, driving the opponent's head
between his legs. This variation is used by Jimmy Jacobs, who calls it the Contra Code.
Both variations can see a modified version where both wrestlers are already perched on the top
rope, and the backflip DDT is the only part performed, which may be known as a Super
Shiranui. Another top-rope variation is used by Marufuji when the opponent is seated on the top
turnbuckle with his back to the ring, and Marufuji climbs the turnbuckles applies the threequarter facelock while standing on the top rope, and performs the backflip, landing on his knees
and driving his opponent's head into the mat with much greater force; this has also been called
the Super Shiranui.
There is also a standing variation of this move.
25. Shooting star piledriver
This move more closely resembles a shooting star ending in a facebuster rather than a piledriver,
though it was referred to as a "Shooting Star Piledriver" by announcers at the time of its most
notable occurrence.
During a Ring of Honor event, wrestler Jody Fleisch tried to execute a springboard shooting star
press on Low Ki but botched the landing in such a way that, instead of Low Ki catching Fleisch
and falling to the ground, Fleisch's legs straddled the head of Low Ki and grounded him with so
much force it drove Low Ki's head into the mat below.
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Though its most notable use was unintentional it is in fact used by other wrestlers often ending in
positions similar to that of a complete shot or a DDT.
26. Splash
This basic splash which is also known as a Press involves a wrestler jumping forward from a
raised platform (usually the top turnbuckle) and landing stomach first across an opponent lying
on the ground below.
The splash was popularized in America by Jimmy "The Superfly" Snuka, one of the first 'highfliers' to wrestle in North America, who called the move the Superfly Splash. It was one of the
first and most popular highflying moves to be seen in mainstream wrestling. Even today, the
move is often called a Superfly Splash in his honor.
26.1 450° splash
Invented by 2 Cold Scorpio, the 450° Splash, as its correctly known, involves flipping forward
450° from a raised platform, landing on the opponent in the splash position. Wrestlers like
Juventud Guerrera and John Kronus popularized the move in the United States, while it was a
trademark in Japan for Hayabusa, who called it the Firebird Splash. A standing version is also
possible from the mat. This move is banned in WWE.
26.1.1 Corkscrew 450° splash
Also known as a Phoenix Splash as named by its inventor Japanese wrestler Hayabusa, this
move is performed when a wrestler (facing backwards to the ring from the top turnbuckle)
jumps, turns 180° and performs a 450° splash. A standing version is also possible from the mat.
26.1.2 Corkscrew splash
The wrestler stands on the top turnbuckle with the opponent lying face up on the mat. The
wrestler then leaps at the fallen opponent at the same time executing a 360 horizontal turn before
landing on the opponent in the splash position.
26.1.3 Imploding 450° splash
This move sees the attacking wrestler stand on the top turnbuckle facing away from the ring and
proceed to jump backwards and execute a 450° splash inwards (facing the turnbuckle) onto a
downed opponent laying on the mat. Also known as a Dragon Star Press, Flaming Star Press
or an Imploding Star Press.
26.2 Corner slingshot splash
The wrestler places the opponent so they are lying supine and with their head and feet facing
opposite corners of the ring. The wrestler then approaches an adjacent turnbuckle, places their
hands on the top rope and climbs to the first or second rope. The wrestler then bounces on the
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ropes before throwing their legs and body outwards and releasing the ropes, thus flying outwards
and downwards and connecting with the torso of the opponent.
26.3 Frog splash
This move is performed by leaping from the top rope, stretching out to a horizontal position, [13]
and bringing one's feet and hands inward and outward before landing.
The original, and slightly different, version of the frog splash, as innovated by Art Barr and
named by 2 Cold Scorpio, sees the wrestler bring their hands between their legs and kick up with
their feet before drawing both arms and legs back outwards. [14] Art Barr's tag team partner, Eddie
Guerrero would go on to use the more common variation as a tribute to Barr after Barr's death in
late 1994. After Guerrero himself died in 2005, many close friends and family such as Chavo
Guerrero, Rey Mysterio & Christian Cage, started using frog splashes during matches as a
tribute. [15]
Rob Van Dam performs a turning variation named the Five-Star Frog Splash where the
opponent is not placed perpendicular to the corner. Instead Van Dam turns in mid-air to land on
the opponent in the splash position, regardless of which direction the opponent is lying in. He
also uses a regular version, generally going halfway or more than halfway across the ring to hit
his opponent.
26.4 Shooting star press
A shooting star press is a technique invented by Jushin Liger after seeing a similar move
performed in the manga Fist of the North Star. In a standard shooting star press, the wrestler
jumps forward from an elevated position, executes a backflip in mid-air, and lands on the
opponent in the splash/press position. In kayfabe, the move is considered a more impactful
version of a splash, since the wrestler utilizes rotational speed, as if he were a circular saw. [16]
The shooting star press is considered a very dangerous maneuver both to execute and to receive.
If the wrestler is unable to completely rotate, or if he lands incorrectly on the opponent, then
there can be a serious injury. For example, Billy Kidman (who called the move the Seven Year
Itch in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and just the shooting star press in World
Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) caused an injury to Chavo Guerrero, Jr. on WWE SmackDown!
when Kidman's knee impacted Guerrero's head, forcing it hard against the mat. Guerrero lost
consciousness for several minutes.
As a result of injuries like these, promotions sometimes ban the use of the maneuver. When
WWE discouraged the use of the move, it left long-time user Paul London notably upset.
26.4.1 Corkscrew shooting star press
Also known as a corkscrew shooting star splash, this is a move in which a wrestler, from a
raised platform, jumps and executes a backflip in mid-air while turning 360° to land on the
opponent in the splash position.
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26.4.2 Springboard shooting star press
A move in which a wrestler first springboards (bounces) off of the top ring rope and executes a
backflip in mid-air to land on the opponent. This can see the attacking wrestler stand on the ring
ropes and springboard into the ring, or stand in the ring and springboard to the outside. The
outside version is sometimes referred to as a shooting star plancha.
26.4.3 Standing shooting star press
This move sees a wrestler stand next to an opponent laying on the mat placing one foot close to
the opponent while drawing back both his/her other leg and the arm on that side of his/her body,
extending both these limbs full while bending the leg closest to the opponent at the knee. From
here the wrestler throws their extended arm and leg forward in a swinging motion while kicking
off (jumping up) with the bent leg, using the momentum of the swing to execute a backflip in
mid-air and land on the opponent in the splash position.
26.4.4 Standing corkscrew shooting star press
This move sees a wrestler stand next to an opponent laying on the mat placing one foot close to
the opponent while drawing back both his/her other leg and the arm on that side of his/her body,
extending both these limbs full, while bending the leg closest to the opponent at the knee. From
here the wrestler throws their extended arm and leg forward in a swinging motion while kicking
off (jumping up) with the bent leg, using the momentum of the swing to execute a backflip in
mid-air while turning 360° to land on the opponent in the splash position.
27. Sunset flip
This is a pinning move where a wrestler and his opponent face each other, with the wrestler on
higher ground (such as the top turnbuckle). The wrestler dives over the opponent, catches him in
a waistlock from behind,[17] and rolls into a sitting position as he hits the mat. As the wrestler
rolls over, he pulls the opponent over backwards so that he lands on his back in a pinning
position.[17]
28. Transition move
Some moves are meant neither to pin an opponent, nor weaken them or force them to submit, but
28.1 Swan Dive
Used primarily in Japan, this is a manueave where the wrestler quickly leaps over the top rope,
lands on the outside of the ring, then performs a springboard.
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28.2 Grounding
The wrestler jumps onto an opponent from an elevated platform as the opponent is standing up,
so that the opponent falls to his knees with his head between the legs of the wrestler. This move
is generally used to set up for a powerbomb.
28.3 Springboard
Springboarding involves a wrestler using any of the ring ropes to bounce off, most high-flying
techniques can be performed after a spring board, i.e. springboard legdrop, springboard dropkick.
Sometimes wrestlers will bounce off one set of ring ropes then off another to perform a move,
this is referred to as a double springboard, the most notable double springboard move is a
version of a springboard moonsault in which a wrestler bounces off the rope to elevate
himself/herself to the top-rope from where he/she bounces off to perform the moonsault. [18]
Another version of a springboard is the rope run/climb in which a wrestler would run up the ring
ropes, effectively springboarding with one foot off each ring rope. This is often used in a version
of a Tornado DDT in which a wrestler applies a headlock runs up the ropes (often at the
turnbuckle), still holding onto the opponent, spins off from the elevated height to hit the DDT.
28.4 Slingshot
A slingshot involves a wrestler, who is standing on the ring apron, pulling on the top rope and
using its momentum to hurl themselves over the ropes and into the ring. Many high-flying
techniques can be performed after a slingshot.
28.5 Shooting star
This move sees a wrestler jump forward from an elevated position followed by executing a
backflip in mid-air. Many techniques can be performed after a shooting star, most well known is
the shooting star press but there are other variations like the shooting star legdrop and shooting
star elbow drop. [16]
29. Modifiers
29.1 Ropewalk
The term ropewalk is used to refer to any move which first sees the attacking wrestler walks
along the top rope before performing a move. One of the most well known examples in
American wrestling is Old School. Jinsei Shinzaki first did the ropewalk in Japan, by walking
nearly around all four sides of the ring, while praying, thus calling it the Praying Ropewalk.
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29.2 Standing
The term standing is used to refer to any move which is being performed at the same level as the
opponent, usually on the ring mat. This is rather than most aerial moves which are performed
from a raised platform like the top turnbuckle.
29.3 Super
The term Super is placed before any move which is being performed off the top- or second rope.
For example, if a Samoan drop was performed from the top turnbuckle it would be called a
"Super Samoan Drop". Many move variations performed off the top rope use the term
"Avalanche" instead of "super", especially in Japan.[19]
Suplexes performed from the top or second rope are referred to as superplexes.
29.4 Suicide
The term suicide or suicida is placed before any move that goes from the ring, the ring apron, or
the turnbuckles to the outside of the ring. The most obvious is a suicide dive also known as a
topé suicida, which is simply a jump through or over ring ropes to the outside. [20][21]
When a front flip is performed after leaping through the ropes, or by jumping over the top rope
and performing a front flip, to land on the opponent back first, the move is known as a suicide
senton or Topé con Hilo. Although it would appear as if Hilo is the Mexican name for the move,
in Mexico the move is referred to as a Topé con Giro. Giro (Spanish for spin) was mistranslated
as Hilo in Japan and the name Hilo (which in Spanish actually means thread) has remained
outside of Mexico.[22]
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Volume 5 - Professional Wrestling Double-Team Maneuvers
Double-team maneuvers in professional wrestling are when two wrestlers work together to
attack an opponent, these moves are mainly used by tag teams in tag matches.
Many of these maneuvers are combination of two throws, or submission holds.
There is a wide variety of double-team moves in pro wrestling. Most moves are known by the
names that professional wrestlers give their "finishing move" (signature moves that usually result
in a win) names. Occasionally these names become popular and are used regardless of the
wrestler performing the technique.
1. Aided brainbuster
A double-team move in which one wrestler lifts the opponent in a brainbuster position. The
partner proceeds to jump off the top turnbuckle while pushing the opponent’s feet downward for
more impact.
2. Aided neckbreaker
Any double-team move in which one wrestler help another to perform a neckbreaker by
twisting/forcing the opponent down to the mat harder while a neckbreaker is performed.
Another version of an aided neckbreaker, known as an elevated neckbreaker sees one get the
opponent up into an elevated position to allow a wrestler to perform a neckbreaker from a greater
height.
2.1 Aided whiplash
This is a normal whiplash that instead of having the opponent held in the air with the aid of the
ring rope, he is kept in the elevated position by another wrestler. This wrestler has the opponent's
legs on his shoulder and is facing the first wrestler. When the neckbreaker is performed the extra
wrestler will often twist himself down to the mat and land on top of the opponent. This is best
known as the Au Revoir a double team move used by La Résistance.
2.2 Argentine rack, neckbreaker combination
This move first sees one wrestler places an opponent in an Argentine backbreaker rack; where
the opponent is held face-up across both the shoulders of the wrestler. At this point, the second
attacking wrestler then grabs the racked opponent's head and, along with the first wrestler, falls
to the ground driving the opponent head and neck into the mat below.
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2.3 Backdrop suplex, neckbreaker combination
This elevated neckbreaker, also informally known as a 3D-B as named by the Dudley Boyz, is a
combination of backdrop and a neckbreaker. This maneuver sees an opponent get pushed
upwards in a belly to back suplex lift by Bubba Ray Dudley then as the opponent falls to the mat
D-Von Dudley would apply a headlock neckbreaker forcing the opponent's head into the mat.
2.4 Wheelbarrow facebuster, cutter combination
This move first sees one wrestler place an opponent in a wheelbarrow facebuster position while
the other wrestler applies a Three-quarters face lock. One man then drops to his back as his
partner drops to a sit out position performing a cutter and a wheelbarrow facebuster.
2.5 Dudley Death Drop
The Dudley Death Drop, often shortened to 3-D, is an elevated cutter which sees a combination
of a Flapjack and a cutter. While invented by Dean Malenko [citation needed] it was named,
popularized and became more closely associated with the Dudley Boyz. This maneuver sees an
opponent get pushed upwards in a flapjack throw by D-Von Dudley then as the opponent falls to
the mat Bubba Ray Dudley would apply a cutter forcing the opponent's head down to the mat.
The move is now known as the Deadly Death Drop (3-D), as when the Dudley Boyz left WWE
the rights for the Dudley name did not leave with them. The pair, now known as Team 3-D often
use the move to put opponents through a table.
2.6 Fireman's carry, neckbreaker combination
One wrestler (usually the larger one) will place an opponent over their shoulders in the fireman's
carry position while the other attacking wrestler would run and jump up along side both men and
take hold/twist the neck of the opponent for any type of neckbreaker slam as the first wrestler
falls down to the mat forcing the opponent down with them in a Samoan drop. This move is
currently used as a tag-team finish maneuver by Cryme Tyme, who dubbed the move G9.
This can see the wrestler performing the fireman's carry turn on the spot (an airplane spin) while
the other charges at them and performs the neckbreaker as they spin.
2.7 Powerbomb, neckbreaker combination
This elevated neckbreaker is performed when one attacking wrestler stands facing a bent over
opponent and seizes the opponent around the waist, flipping them over as in a suplex up onto
another wrestler's shoulders, leaving them in a prone powerbomb position. The first wrestler
keeps hold of the opponent's head at this point, holding it against their shoulder as with a
hangman's neckbreaker while keeping the opponent's back and head parallel with the ground.
From here the first wrestler falls to a sitting position while the other wrestler who is holding the
opponent in the powerbomb position drops to their knees, thus driving the neck of the opponent
into the shoulder of this wrestler from an elevated position.
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Other variations can see the wrestler get placed in the powerbomb position without the aid of a
suplex lift. One such version sees the attacking wrestler skylift an opponent (throw them into the
air) before catching them in the powerbomb neckbreaker as they fall to the mat.
The Neckbreaker powerbomb move is also often known as a Powerplex, a portmanteau of
powerbomb and suplex, since one wrestler performs a suplex into the other to get their opponent
into the proper position. Another name used in reference to this move is Villano breaker which
was named after Villano IV, who was severely injured by a botched version of this move by
Kanyon and Raven.
The move can of course be performed using the other powerbomb variations, The Briscoe
Brothers perform a crucifix powerbomb variation in which Mark Briscoe lifts the opponent into a
crucifix powerbomb while Jay Briscoe runs and jumps to catch the head of the opponent in a
neckbreaker as they are thrown by Mark.
2.8 Russian legsweep, neckbreaker combination
One partner sets up a Russian legsweep on the victim while the other stands behind the victim
and reaches backwards over his shoulder and around the victim's chin with one arm. The first
partner completes the Russian legsweep as the second partner sits out, driving the back of the
victim's neck against the rear attacker's shoulder.
2.9 Gory Bomb, Cutter combination
One partner sets up a Gory Bomb on the victim, while his partner stands behind him. When the
original partner releases the victim, the second executes a cutter as the victim falls.
3. Aided piledriver
Any double-team move in which one wrestler help another to perform a Piledriver on an
opponent by pushing down on the opponent’s feet for more impact. In a variation of the move,
the second wrestler jumps off the turnbuckle while pushing the opponent’s feet downward for
even more damage, this is well known as a Spike Piledriver (not to be confused with a one-man
Spike piledriver). It has also been known under the name Stuffed Piledriver. This move early on
was associated with the tag team Brain Busters.
The Briscoe Brothers perform a variation named the Spike J-Driller in which Jay Briscoe
positions the opponent for a double underhook piledriver and Mark Briscoe, standing on the
apron, springboards off the top rope and catches the opponent's feet to push them down while Jay
falls to the sitting position.
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4. Aided powerbomb
Any double-team move in which one wrestler help another to perform a Powerbomb, either by
aiding the wrestler to get the opponent up on to their shoulders or by pulling down on the
opponent as they get dropped down, to force them into the mat harder.
The Acolytes (Faarooq & Bradshaw) were known for doing this double team maneuver, with
Faarooq pulling down on an opponent set up in Bradshaw's powerbomb.
In seated powerbomb versions, before the first wrestler drops to a seated position the second
wrestler will hold on to the opponent and sit down at the same time dropping the opponent
between both their legs. Too Cool (who used a Sitout powerbomb) and The Basham Brothers
(who used a Chokebomb) where known for performing these double sitout bombs.
A variation similar to that of a Device sees a wrestler hit a flying moves (i.e. top rope clothesline,
flying neckbreaker, seated senton etc.) on an opponent after he/she has been lifted up for the
powerbomb (see below).
4.1 Aided superbomb
In this version one partner sits on the top rope facing the ring, the second partner stands behind
the opponent (both facing the first partner). The second partner then puts his head under one of
the opponent's arms and lifts him into the air placing him on the first partners shoulders (the
opponent’s legs around his neck), from there the first partner stands up and jumps forward
Powerbombing the opponent from the second rope down to the ring.
The Pitbulls popularized this move in ECW as The Super Bomb.
4.2 Superbomb, neckbreaker slam combination
In this version, the first partner sits on the top rope facing the ring, the second partner stands
behind the opponent (both facing the first partner). The second partner then puts his head under
one of the opponent's arms and lifts him into the air placing him on the first partners shoulders
(the opponent’s legs around his neck). Alternatively, the second partner can lift the opponent up
in a fireman's carry, then flip the opponent's legs to the first partner. Then the second partner
holds onto the neck of the opponent and runs forward while dropping down for a neckbreaker
slam while first partner on the turnbuckle simultaneously jumps forward in a seated position
superbombing the opponent with extra force from the second rope down to the ring.
4.3 Powerbomb, diving attack combination
One wrestler sets up the opponent for a powerbomb with his back to a turnbuckle while his
partner climbs that same turnbuckle. The first attacking wrestler then holds the opponent at the
apex of the powerbomb while the second dives off of the top rope and impacts the opponent with
an aerial attack, driving the opponent backwards and completing the partner's powerbomb with
added force. Certain attacks can also be timed so that, instead of hitting the opponent at the apex
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of the move, they can impact at the exact moment the powerbomb impacts the opponent on the
floor.
Like all the below variations, this move does not have to see the second attacking wrestler dive
from the turnbuckle it can be performed from any elevated surface, or alternatively the wrestler
could springboard off the ring ropes to gain height.
4.4 Powerbomb, diving clothesline combination
a top rope clothesline, driving the opponent backwards and finishing the powerbomb with extra
force.
4.5 Powerbomb, diving legdrop combination
a diving leg drop just as the victim himself lands on the mat, crushing his neck, face, or chest.
The leg drop can sometimes be a somersault variation. This move was popularized by The
Headbangers, who called it the Stage Dive.
4.6 Powerbomb, flying neckbreaker combination
a flying neckbreaker, driving the opponent backwards and finishing the powerbomb with extra
force.
4.7 Powerbomb, missile dropkick combination
a missile dropkick, driving the opponent backwards and finishing the powerbomb with extra
force.
4.8 Powerbomb, shiranui combination
This Device variation sees one of the wrestlers lift the opponent onto his shoulders, into the
powerbomb position, while standing with his back to the corner turnbuckles. Another wrestler
then climbs to the top turnbuckle, faces away from the ring, and grabs a Three-quarter facelock
on the opponent, performing a Shiranui, while the other wrestler slams the opponent down.
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5. Aided splash
This move starts with both partners on either the right or left side of an opponent who is laying
prone on the mat, face-up, with one partner in front of the other and both of them facing away
from the opponent. The one closest to the opponent picks up the other parther, who is facing
away from him/her, and then makes a 180° turn before dropping the partner on the opponent.
The wrestler can lift his partner in a variety of ways (military press, wheelbarrow suplex, etc.)
before dropping him on the opponent.
6. Aided suplex
Any double-team move in which one wrestler help another to perform a suplex, usually by
putting their own weight behind the move to increase its impact.
6.1 Aided wheelbarrow suplex
This move sees one wrestler wrap a forward facing opponent's legs around his/her waist and
apply a gutwrench hold to lift the opponent up off the ground. His partner then steps in front of
both wrestlers and grabs either the victim's arms or shoulders and yanks them upward, just as the
first attacker throws himself and the victim backwards in a wheelbarrow suplex. This increases
the momentum with which the victim is thrown backwards on his upper back, neck, and head.
7. Backbreaker hold, top-rope elbow drop combination
One wrestler would hit a pendulum backbreaker and hold the opponent over his knee as another
wrestler jumped down to hit the opponent with a top-rope elbow drop to his exposed head,
flipping the opponent over down to the mat. This move was known as the Demolition
Decapitation when it was used by Demolition in the WWF, and as such it (and variations of it)
are often such is still called by this name today.
8. Backbreaker hold, top-rope legdrop combination
One wrestler would hold the opponent over his knee, in a backbreaker position as another
wrestler jumped down to hit the opponent with a top-rope leg drop to his exposed head, flipping
the opponent over down to the mat.
9. Battering Ram
One wrestler stands behind his partner and leans forward, placing his head underneath his
partner's arm, in a headlock. The two then charge forward, ramming the head of the rear wrestler
into the opponent. The move was named and made famous by The Bushwhackers.
There is also a Single person version of the move.
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10. Bearhug hold, attack combination
One of a number of double team moves in which one parter holds the victim in a bearhug while
the other partner either runs or dives at the elevated victim and impacts him in the chest, neck, or
face, driving him backwards into the ground in the process. As a variant of the bearhug/attack
combination, the holding wrestler can instead use a spinebuster, driving the opponent down
instead of releasing them.
10.1 Hart Attack
Most commonly known as the Hart Attack, this was the traditional finishing move of The Hart
Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart). Neidhart would lift up the opponent in a bearhug in the
center of the ring, while Hart leaned against the ringside ropes, facing the opponent's back. Hart
would then run past the two and bounce off the ropes on the opposite side of the ring. On his
return, Hart would make a running leap and perform a lariat takedown on the opponent as
Neidhart let go of him, resulting in both Hart and the opponent falling onto their backs. Hart
sometimes did the lariat takedown from the second corner rope.
10.2 Bearhug hold, flying crossbody combination
One wrestler would apply a bearhug and elevate the opponent while the other wrestler executed a
flying body press from the top rope, driving the opponent to the ground from an elevated height.
10.3 Bearhug hold, high kick combination
One wrestler would apply a bearhug and elevate the opponent while the other wrestler executed a
high dropkick (as popularized by Mark Jindrak and Garrison Cade), or other high kicks as the
first wrestler drops the opponent to the ground, such as with Booker T's high side kick with tag
partner Goldust, or Stevie Ray of Harlem Heat they named the move Big Apple Blast. Recenty
the tag team of Deuce N' Domino have been using a variation of this move, which they call the
West Side Stomp. During this move, Domino applies a bearhug and Deuce executes a jumping
heel kick enzuigiri.
10.4 Bearhug hold, seated senton combination
One wrestler would apply a bearhug to the victim while his or her partner climbed the turnbuckle
behind them. The second partner then dived off of the turnbuckle, performering a seated senton
on the victim, driving him out of his partner's arms and into the mat. This move is commonly
referred to as the Cannonball and was popularized by the Fabulous Rougeaus and later The
Quebecers.
10.5 Bearhug hold, superkick, jackknife pin combination
One wrestler would apply a bearhug while the other wrestler executed a superkick to the face of
the opponent. The opponent would fall backwards, and the partner applying the bearhug would
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roll forward with their momentum, flipping over into a bridge position, holding both legs and
ending up in a Jackknife pinning position.
10.6 Bearhug hold, top rope legdrop combination
Commonly referred to as the Veg-O-Matic, also referred to as an Aided Guillotine Legdrop. In
this move one wrestler would apply a bearhug and hold the opponent out as another wrestler
jumped down to hit the opponent with a top-rope leg drop to his exposed head or torso, forcing
the opponent hard back down to the mat.
The move was popularized by the Midnight Express as the Veg-O-Matic but it is now closely
associated with America's Most Wanted, who called it the Death Sentence.
11. Con-chair-to
This move was popularized and named by the team of Edge and Christian, and consists of a
double steel folding chair shot to the head of an opponent, one from either side hitting the back
of the head and the face of an opponent simultaneously. Edge and Christian often slammed the
chairs on the mat to "tune up the band" before hitting the opponent. There is also a one man
version of the move known as a one man con-chair-to. The name of the move is derived from the
musical term "concerto".
12. Doomsday Device
A move in which one wrestler hoists the opponent on his shoulders in the electric chair position,
while another wrestler climbs to the top turnbuckle and delivers a flying attack on the prone
opponent, often resulting in the opponent doing a backflip and landing on their front
13. Double bulldog
A double bulldog is when two wrestlers both hit a bulldog on a single opponent.
A double bulldog can also refer to two bulldogs being performed by one wrestler on two
opponents at the same time.
13.1 Double cutter
A double cutter is a common term which refers to double team variations of the three-quarter
facelock bulldog maneuver (known as a "cutter"). This move sees the attacking wrestlers first
stand either side of an opponent and apply a three-quarter facelock (reaching behind the head of
an opponent, thus pulling the opponent's jaw above each of the wrestler's shoulders) before both
(moving forwards and) falling backwards to force the opponent face first to the mat below.
However, due to the face lock the opponent's face often never reaches the mat, instead lands on
the shoulders of the attacking wrestlers.
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14. Double chokeslam
When two wrestlers execute a chokeslam on a single opponent at the same time it is referred to
as a double chokeslam.
Due to convenience of wording, a double chokeslam can also refer to two chokeslams being
performed by one wrestler on two opponents at the same time (ie; single person double
chokeslam), and occasionally in a tag team match where each member of one team will
chokeslam a member of the opposing team (ie; two person simultaneous chokeslams) which can
also be referred to as stereo chokeslams. Another variation of the move, done by Kane and the
Big Show, is the Triple Chokeslam, where both of the wrestlers chokeslam another opponent
each with their free hands.
The traditional version is also referred to as a double spinebuster / double front slam as the
action of lifting an opponent up and throwing them down are much the same, though the
spinebuster, and front slam are more common on a charging opponent.
15. Double clothesline
Two wrestlers both hitting a clothesline on a single opponent by joining hands is referred to as a
double clothesline. A variation has both wrestlers charging from opposite sides of a single
opponent with a clothesline.
A double clothesline can also refer to two clotheslines being performed by one wrestler on two
opponents at the same time.
16. Double crucifix powerbomb
This two man version of a crucifix powerbomb sees a single opponent lifted up between two
wrestlers so that the opponent is being lifted by their spread out arms. At the apex of the move
where the opponent is raised to the highest point it will look as though he/she had been crucified
at this point the attacking wrestlers then kneel, and bends forwards, to throw the opponent
forward to the mat on to their back or neck and shoulders.
17. Double DDT
When two wrestlers both hit a DDT on a single opponent by standing either side of the opponent
and applying the front facelock before hitting the move. This move can see more than one
opponent be headlocked, using the wrestlers free arms, to become a seemingly indefinite line of
wrestlers and opponents all linked together
A double DDT can also refer to two DDTs being performed by one wrestler on two opponents at
the same time. Another reference, also known as Stereo DDTs, sees two wrestlers performing a
DDT on two different people at the same time.
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17.1 Double inverted DDT
This is similar to a normal double DDT only that they are in an inverted headlock and drop them
in the back of the head.
17.2 Double shiranui
This double team DDT sees two attacking wrestlers perform the shiranui (three-quarter facelock
backflip diving reverse DDT) variation on one single opponent, with each wrestler applying the
three-quarter facelock from opposing sides of the opponent. Like the shiranui, this double team
version can be performed from both a standing and elevated position.
18. Double dropkick
When two wrestlers simultaneously hit a dropkick on a single opponent. Attacking wrestlers may
both target the front or back of the opponent, or sometimes "sandwich" the opponent by
dropkicking them from either side.
18.1 Double missile dropkick
Similar to the double dropkick, both wrestlers execute missile dropkicks from adjacent
turnbuckles onto a single opponent.
Timing is of the utmost importance when executing this move; at the 2003 Royal Rumble, Rey
Mysterio and Edge attempted this move on Christopher Nowinski. Edge jumped too late, and
landed on the face of a supine Nowinski, which eventually resulted in Nowinski suffering a
career-ending concussion.
19. Double drop toe-hold
In a double drop toe-hold two wrestlers hit a drop toe-hold on each leg of a single opponent.
20. Double elbow drop
This is a double team maneuver which involves two wrestlers hitting a variations of a elbow drop
(standing, or flying) on one person at the same time.
Often this move sees two wrestlers knock down a charging opponent leaving the opponent in a
position in which both wrestlers can stand either side of the fallen opponent and before elbow
drops. These elbow drops are often preceded by some sort of dance/taunt or the joining of hands.
21. Double fireman's carry
Two wrestlers both lift a single opponent up into a fireman's carry leaving the two wrestlers
back-to-back with the opponent across their shoulders is called a double fireman's carry. From
Here the two wrestlers can perform a double version of a fireman's carry slam, the wrestlers can
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also both fall backwards down to the mat dropping the opponent face-first into the canvas in a
double flapjack type move.
22. Double flapjack
Two wrestlers throw a single opponent up into a flapjack. In this move both wrestlers would
push the opponent upward by reaching under their legs and lifting them into the air, while
remaining the hold on the opponent’s legs the wrestlers would fall backwards, dropping the
opponent front-first into the canvas. Another basic double flapjack is similar to a back drop, in
which the wrestlers push the opponent upwards and release him/her so that they fall onto their
face instead of falling back-first.
23. Double hip toss
When two wrestlers both hit a hip toss on a single opponent by both wrestlers underhooking the
closest arm and then quickly lifting the opponent up and throwing him/her forward, flipping the
opponent onto his/her back.
23.1 Catching hip toss
As two wrestlers hit the hip toss on a single opponent, both wrestlers catch the legs of the
opponent as he/she flips over so that both have a hold of one arm and leg of their opponent.
From this position the wrestlers can lift the opponent up into the air and drop them onto the mat,
or lift the opponent up and drop to a kneeling position so that the opponent would drop onto their
knees.
24. Double Russian legsweep
Both wrestlers stand on either side of an opponent, facing in the same direction, then both
simultaneously execute a Russian legsweep on the opponent.
25. Double STO
This move can either be a Double STO when two wrestlers both hit a STO on a single opponent
at the same time, or an Aided STO, known in Japan as Oregatokare, or "rage dragon slayer"
where one wrestler help another wrestler to perform the STO, usually by sweeping out the legs
from under the opponent.
26. Double submission
This term applies to any instance when attacking wrestlers lock an opponent in simultantious
submission holds.
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The most popular instance of this occurred when Chris Jericho (using his Walls of Jericho)
worked with Chris Benoit (using his Crippler Crossface) to wear down an opponent.
Obviously many variations exist in which most commonly one wrestler will work on the lower
body/legs with moves like the Sharpshooter, the Texas cloverleaf and the reverse figure four,
while the other wrestler works on the upper half/head with moves like the camel clutch.
27. Double superkick
A tandem attack where two wrestlers stand in front of an opponent and hit him/her in the
face/head with a high, side thrust kick, known as a Superkick. The move was popularized by XFactor, who called it X Marks the Spot.
The name can also refer to what is known as Stereo Superkicks when two wrestlers both perform
superkicks to two different opponents at the same time.
28. Double suplex
A throw in which two wrestlers will both suplex one opponent at the same time is called double
suplex. The most common suplexs used for this double team move are the Snap and Vertical
variations, in which the wrestlers apply a front face lock to the opponent, draping the opponent’s
near arm over their respective shoulders, at this point the wrestlers will either pull their own legs
back and kick them forward quickly slamming them to the ground to build momentum to fall
backwards and flip the opponent over them so they all land on their backs for a double snap
suplex. In a double vertical suplex the move is the same except that when the opponent is in
position he/she is lifted up and held upside-down before the wrestlers fall backwards.
A double suplex can also refer to two suplexes being performed by one wrestler on two
opponents at the same time, although this move is much rarer and typically requires a larger
wrestler to suplex two smaller wrestlers often as a counter to a standard double suplex.
28.1 Double inverted suplex
The attackers stand behind an opponent and each applies an inverted facelock with his or her
inside arm, and uses the other arm to aid in elevating the opponent so that he/she is lifted up and
held upside-down before the attackers fall to their backs driving the opponent down to the mat
front-first, behind the attackers.
28.2 Double slingshot inverted suplex
Two wrestlers stand behind an opponent and bend him or her backwards, each placing his face
under their inside armpit. With their outside hands, each wrestler then grabs the waist of the
victim's pants, using it for leverage to raise his legs into the air. The attackers, without letting go
of the victim's head, then drop the back of his legs across the top ring rope. The tension in the
rope sends the victim's legs bouncing up into the air where, guided by the attackers (who fall
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backwards), he then flips over their heads and drops face over into the mat, effectively
completing a double inverted suplex.
29. Elevated DDT
An elevated DDT is any double team move that sees one wrestler keep an opponent suspended in
an elevated position so that another wrestler can perform a DDT and drop the opponent from the
raised position. one variation sees a wrestler apply a front facelock to an opponent and lift them
so that their legs are placed on the top of the shoulders of another wrestler, and this point the first
wrestler quickly throws himself to the ground backwards so that the opponent is forced to dive
forward onto his/her head with extra force because of the height of which they are dropped. This
is an aided version of the one-man elevated DDT.
29.1 Backdrop suplex, inverted DDT combination
This elevated DDT, is a combination of backdrop and an inverted DDT. This maneuver sees an
opponent get pushed upwards in a belly to back suplex lift by one attacking wrestler then as the
opponent falls to the mat the second attacking wrestler would apply the inverted headlock
forcing the opponent's head into the mat.
29.2 Flapjack DDT
One of the most common double team elevated DDT is known as a Flapjack DDT, a
combination of Flapjack and a DDT. This maneuver sees an opponent get pushed upwards in air
during a flapjack attempted then just as the opponent falls to the mat the wrestlers partner will
put opponent in a front facelock and as all three fall down to the mat the DDT will ensure the
opponent is forced to dive forward onto his own head. This move was commonly used by the
MNM faction.
29.3 Sidewalk slam, headlock takedown
This move involves one wrestler setting up an opponent for a sidewalk slam will the opponent is
held in the air his head is exposed at this point another wrestler will be able to perform many
moves that only involve the attack of that exposed head (i.e. reverse DDT variations, headlock
takedowns, and neckbreakers) these moves force the opponent down harder to the mat when the
first wrestler drops him/her.
A variation used by the team of Edge & Christian, saw Christian hit his signature diving reverse
DDT on an opponent that Edge held in the sidewalk slam.
Another variation used by the team of The Hurricane and Rosey, saw The Hurricane hit his Eye
of the Hurricane finisher on an opponent that Rosey held in the sidewalk slam.
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30. Elevated jawbreaker
With an opponent kept up in an elevated position by one wrestler, another wrestler has chance to
drop the opponent into any type of jawbreaker from a rasied height.
Most notably this sees the opponent's legs being held on the shoulders of one wrestler while
another wrestler catches hold of the head of this opponent. At this point the wrestler will lock a
hold onto the head of the opponent and drop them into the jawbreaker.
One known as the Natural Disaster, as named by The Naturals (Chase Stevens and Andy
Douglas), sees one wrestler use an inverted suplex to raise their opponent off the ground and
onto the shoulders of their partner behind them. Both wrestlers then drop to a kneeling/sitting
position, so that the wrestler at the front can hit the stunner style jawbreaker.
31. Elevated splash
This is where one wrestler (usually a larger wrestler) backs up to the corner turnbuckles and
allows another wrestler to climb the turnbuckle then up onto his/her shoulders, this wrestler then
jumps off to perform any type of diving splash (i.e. Shooting star press) on a prone opponent.
Sometimes this move sees the first wrestler climb up on the turnbuckle himself getting even
higher before the second wrestler gets up there and jumps off him.
32. High and low
A "high and low" double team maneuver is a type of takedown that sees two wrestlers hit a
combination of attacks on a standing opponent; one aimed to hit high, while the other is aimed
low. The high attack is usually from in front of the intended opponent, while the low attack
comes from behind sending the opponent back-first into the mat with greater force.
32.1 Lariat, running chop block combination
The attacking wrestlers stand on opposite sides of an opponent (front and back). The wrestler
facing the front then executes a running lariat while the wrestler from behind executes a running
chop block knocking the opponent backwards.
32.2 Superkick, spinning leg sweep combination
Both wrestlers stand facing a standing opponent. One wrestler executes a spinning leg sweep to
the back of the opponent's legs, and the other executes a superkick towards the opponent
simultaneously, knocking the opponent backwards. Closely associated with Shazarian (Michael
Shane and Frankie Kazarian), and was called "X-treme Domination".
32.3 Total Elimination
This high and low move, named and popularized by The Eliminators (Perry Saturn and John
Kronus), sees both wrestlers stand facing a standing opponent before Saturn executes a spinning
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leg sweep to the back of the opponent's legs, and Kronus executes a spinning heel-kick towards
the opponent simultaneously, knocking the opponent backwards.
33. Leapfrog body guillotine
Also called a Leapfrog Stun Gun, this move was popularized first by The Headbangers, and
later The World's Greatest Tag Team, and sees an opponent rest with his upper body on the ropes
and his feet on one of the attacking wrestler's shoulders while the other wrestler charges at his
partner, leapfroging over him/her and straddling the opponent's lower back.
34. Leg drop, splash combination
This type of combination sees two wrestlers simultaneously execute any type of splash and leg
drop on one prone opponent lying on the mat. However, the double team move is not limited to
grounded variations of splashes and leg drops many wrestlers utilize aerial versions, or versions
where on of the two attacks come from an elevated position.
The most common all elevated version of this, known as both Event Omega, and Falling Fate,
that was popularized by the Hardy Boyz, sees the opponent lying prone on the mat while both
wrestlers climb on opposite turnbuckles and come down simultaneously with a flying legdrop
and a diving splash. While alternatively, another version, known as Chris Chetti and Nova's
Tidal Wave, sees both wrestlers climb the same turnbuckle before hitting the move.
The other variation of the move, recently used by the team of Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley at
TNA's Destination X PPV, has the team on the turnbuckle with the opponent facing up with one
member performing a bulldog on the other. Thus giving the effect of the leg drop and splash
motion.
35. Poetry in Motion
This move is performed when one wrestler throws his opponent into one of the corner
turnbuckles, while another wrestler follows him, and drops down to an all-fours position in front
of the opponent. At this point the other wrestler will run, put his feet on the back of his partner to
elevate himself off the ground and jump at the opponent to hit an attack i.e. clothesline, leg lariat,
heel kick, splash, etc.
This move was named by the members of Team Xtreme (Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, and Lita) who
frequently use the move even when tagging with different people. Other notable users of the
move include The Spirit Squad who perform the move with three men on all fours (forming a
stairway) leaving one member to step up off one, then off the next two members. This has also
been called a shining wizard to the top rope.
36. Prone low blow
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This is a double team move in which one wrestler will set up an opponent so that his partner can
perform a low blow.
36.1 Diving headbutt low blow
While one wrestler slams an opponent and spreads their legs apart the other wrestler would climb
the turnbuckle and perform a diving headbutt into the opponent's groin. This is mostly associated
with the Dudley Boyz (aka Team 3D) who popularized the move.
36.2 Diving leg drop low blow
While one wrestler slams an opponent and spreads their legs apart the other wrestler would climb
the turnbuckle and perform a diving leg drop into the opponent's groin.
37. Reverse STO, enzuigiri combination
In this combination one wrestler prepares to deliver a reverse STO to an opponent and then while
holding them in position their partner delivers an enzuigiri kick to the back of the head of the
opponent who is then dropped for the reverse STO driving them down to the mat face-first with
the added momentum of the kick. This move was popularized by Paul London and Brian
Kendrick, who call it Get Well Soon.
38. Rocket Launcher
One wrestler ascends the top turnbuckle. Their partner then stands below them and reaches up,
taking hold of them. The wrestler on the top rope then performs a flying body splash, with their
partner throwing them, thus increasing their range and height. This move was innovated and
named by The Midnight Express team of "Beautiful" Bobby Eaton and "Loverboy" Dennis
Condrey.
38.1 Assisted senton
One of the wrestlers ascends the top turnbuckle. Their partner then stands below them and
reaches up, taking hold of them. The wrestler on the top rope then performs a Senton bomb, with
their partner throwing them, thus increasing their range and height.
39. Russian leg sweep, clothesline combination
One wrestler would begin a Russian legsweep as another wrestler hit the opponent with a
clothesline, forcing the opponent hard back down to the mat. Popularized by the Basham
Brothers, who called it the Ball and Gag.
40. Sidewalk slam, top-rope legdrop combination
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One wrestler would perform a Sidewalk slam, and then their partner would perform a top-rope
legdrop on the prone, supine opponent. This move was popularized by the Smokin' Gunns, who
called it the Sidewinder.
A slight variation of this sees the wrestler stay grounded instead of ascending to the top
turnbuckle, performing a jumping legdrop on the opponent rather than a top rope one.
41. Sky lift slam
This move first sees the two attacking wrestlers standing either side of an opponent and hook
their arms under the legs and arms of their side to elevated the opponent. From this position, the
wrestlers then force the opponent upwards, throwing them up while releasing the hold to allow
the opponent to fall and slam into the mat back-first.
The 5-wrestler team known as Spirit Squad used a variation in which each of the attacking
wrestlers stood over a fallen opponent and grabbed hold of a limb/extremity. From here, the
wrestlers would all lift at once; throwing the opponent into the air before releasing the hold of
the limbs to allow gravity to pull the opponent, back first, down to the mat.
42. Slingshot catapult, attack combination
The first wrestler performs a slingshot catapult on the opponent sending them towards their
partner while their partner performs an attack on the prone opponent, knocking them back down
with greater force.
42.1 Slingshot catapult, clothesline combination
The first wrestler performs a slingshot catapult on the opponent sending them towards their
partner while their partner sticks their arm out and does a clothesline, knocking the opponent
down.
Other variations use variants of the clothesline like the more impactful Lariat, or the partner goes
to the top rope and performs a clothesline off the top rope
42.2 Slingshot catapult, missile dropkick combination
The first wrestler performs a slingshot catapult on his or her opponent, sending them flying
towards the opposite turnbuckle. His or her partner then jumps off of that turnbuckle and delivers
a missile dropkick to the opponent in midair.
42.3 Slingshot catapult, top rope bulldog combination
The first wrestler performs a slingshot catapult in an attempt to throw the opponent away from
the corner turnbuckle away from where the second wrestler is situated. As the opponent is lifted
off the ground up into the apex of the throw, the second wrestler dives off the turnbuckle and
performs a diving bulldog on that same opponent forcing his/her head down into the mat.
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43. Spanish fly
This variation of the moonsault side slam is performed while all three wrestlers are on the top
turnbuckle. The wrestlers stand either side, slightly behind, and facing the front of a standing
opponent, the wrestlers then reach under the near arms of the opponent, across the chest and
under the opponent far arm, while placing their other hands on the back of the opponent to hold
them in place. The wrestlers then perform a moonsault while holding the opponent, driving the
opponent into the ground back-first in a side slam position.
The move was named by The S.A.T., though it was originally named The Millennium Drop
before it was dubbed The Spanish Fly.
44. Stack-superplex
A variation of the superplex (a vertical suplex off the top turnbuckle) in which the wrestler
delivering the suplex sits upon the shoulders of another wrestler rather than standing on the ring
ropes/turnbuckles where the opponent is situated. At the apex of the suplex, the lower wrestler
allows himself to fall backwards, increasing the power and momentum of the other wrestler's
maneuver.
A multi person variation, commonly known as the Tower of Doom, first sees an attacking
wrestler climb the turnbuckles as if to perform a superplex on an opponent situated on the top
turnbuckle, or in some case two wrestlers attempt a double superplex on the single opponent.
However, at this point one or more wrestlers stand under the elevated wrestlers and hold them as
if to perform a powerbomb; slamming them to the mat as they pull the other wrestler off the top.
45. STO, German suplex combination
This move requires one person standing behind the opponent, while one stands in front. The
wrestler in front will deliver an STO, and the wrestler behind the opponent will perform a
German Suplex on the same opponent. It has been known in Japan as the Rage Dragon Slayer.
46. STO, Russian legsweep combination
This move requires one person standing behind the opponent, while one stands in front. The
wrestler in front will deliver an STO, and the wrestler behind the opponent will perform a
Russian legsweep on the same opponent.
47. Superkick-plex
This combination move sees one wrestler hit a superkick to the chin of an opponent who is being
held in a belly-to-back position by the second wrestler. The second wrestler uses the thrust of the
superkick to aid in executing a bridging German suplex for a pinfall attempt. This move is not to
be confused with a superplex, which is a suplex from the top turnbuckle.
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48. Suplex 450 splash
While standing next to and with his back to a downed opponent, one of the attacking wrestlers
performs a vertical suplex lift on their own partner where at the apex of the suplex the first
wrestler releases the suplex and the second uses the altitude and rotation to perform a 450 splash
onto the downed opponent.
49. Vertical suplex, flying attack combination
One wrestler would apply a stalling vertical suplex and elevate the opponent while the other
wrestler executed a flying attack like a flying crossbody block or a missile dropkick from the top
rope, driving the opponent to the ground from an elevated height.
50. Wheelbarrow hold, top rope legdrop combination
This move sees one wrestler wrap a forward facing opponent's legs around his/her waist and
apply a gutwrench hold to lift the opponent up off the ground. At this point another wrestler, who
is situated on the top turnbuckle would then jump down to hit the opponent with a top-rope leg
drop to the back of his exposed head, forcefully driving the opponent's face and body back down
to the mat. Danny Doring and Amish Roadkill popularized the move, referring to it as the Buggy
Bang.
51. Wishbone
This move, which is named after the tradition of pulling on a wishbone, sees two wrestlers each
take hold of an opponent's leg (who is laying face up on the mat) and yank them in opposite
directions stretching out the groin area.
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Volume 6 - Professional Wrestling Slang
Professional wrestling has accrued a considerable number of slang, in-references and jargon.[1]
Much of it stems from the industry's origins in the days of carnivals, and the slang itself is often
referred to as "carny talk". Often wrestlers would use this lingo in the presence of fans so as not
to reveal the worked nature of the business.[1] In recent years, widespread wrestling discussion on
the Internet popularized the terms.[1]
A
A-Show, a wrestling event where generally a company's biggest "draws" perform.[1]
A-Team, a group of a wrestling promotion's top stars who compete at a given event. [1]
(Compare "B-Team")
Abortion, to discontinue a feud, angle or "gimmick" suddenly, usually without
explanation or due to a lack of fan interest. [1] This is an older term, not generally used
today because of its objectionable basis. [1] The modernized version of this term is
"scrapped." (Example: The "Vince McMahon is Dead" angle was scrapped.)
André shot, a filming technique used to emphasize or exaggerate the height of wrestlers,
either by shooting them with an upward perspective, filming them interacting with
someone of average or below-average height, or having one of the participants stand
somewhere elevated. This principle is also utilized by using referees who are shorter than
the average adult male to enhance the heights of the wrestlers involved in the match. It is
named after André the Giant, who often stood on objects during studio interviews to
exaggerate his already above-average height.
Agent or Road agent, management employee, often a former veteran wrestler, who helps
wrestlers set up matches and relays instructions from the bookers. Often acts as a liaison
between wrestlers and higher-level management. Referred to as "producers" by WWE.
Alignment, the personality type used by wrestlers. For example, if they are a face, they
are said to be "face aligned."
Angle, a fictional storyline. An angle may be as small as a single match or a vendetta that
lasts for years. It is not uncommon to see an angle become retconned due to it not getting
"over" with the fans, or if one of the wrestlers currently involved in the angle is released
from his contract.
Apter mag, an old-style professional wrestling magazine that sticks to kayfabe and
usually consists of made-up articles and interviews.[1] The term refers to the magazines at
one time connected to journalist Bill Apter, such as Pro Wrestling Illustrated.[1]
Arm Color, a wrestler with a bloody arm, which is usually the result of blading.[1]
Around the Horn or Around the Loop, a tour where a wrestler puts on matches in most
of the major cities a particular promotion covers. [1]
Attitude Era, refers to a time period from 1997 to 2001 when the World Wrestling
Federation product shifted from being "family-oriented" entertainment to being "edgier,"
more crude, and dealing with more adult situations (frequently sexual in nature) and
ultimately was the most successful time-period for the company.
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B
B-Show, a wrestling event featuring the middle and lower-level talent of a wrestling
promotion.[1] (WWE Velocity and Heat, TNA Xplosion, WCW Saturday Night)
B-Team, group of wrestlers on a B-Show.[1] Frequently, the B-Team will compete at a
different venue the same night wrestlers on the A-Team are competing in a different
event, although a promotion will sometimes schedule an event with B-Team wrestlers to
test a new market.
Babyface (or face or baby), a good guy.[1] (Compare "tweener" and "heel")
Backyard wrestling, the act of staging pro-style wrestling (not to be confused with sport
wrestling or amateur wrestling) as a hobby rather than a job, usually (but not always) by
untrained performers, predominantly teenagers. The term can also be used for an
independent promotion that has very little, if any, notability.
Bait and Switch, when a promoter teases the fans into believing one thing is going to
happen and switches to something else resulting in shock and surprise (best-case
scenario) or confusion and disappointment (worst-case scenario). (Example, Jerry Lawler
was originally supposed to wrestle Bret Hart at SummerSlam 1993, but Lawler faked an
injury and enlisted Doink the Clown to replace him.)
Batman match, alternate term for a poorly executed match, with blown spots and
showing light. This term takes its name from the 1966-1968 ABC-TV series, which
featured bizarre and deliberately silly fight scenes with comical choreography.
Beat down, when a wrestler or other performer is the recipient of a beating, usually by a
group of wrestlers.[1]
Blade, a sharpened object used for "blading". The blade is usually concealed in tape on
the hands or somewhere it can be utilized without being obvious. [2]
Blading, the act of cutting ones self or another person open in order to bleed, usually
done on the forehead.[2] (Compare "juicing")
Blind, when a referee has his back turned while the other side is cheating. Usually done
by heels in order to gain the advantage in a match.
Blind Tag, a tag made in a tag team match where the wrestler on the apron, tags his
partner unbeknownst to him or without his consent. Most often occurs when the partner
in the ring is thrown against the ropes or backed into their own corner.
Blow off, the final match in a feud.[1] While the involved wrestlers often move onto new
feuds, sometimes it is the final match in the promotion for one or more of the wrestlers.[1]
Blow Up, when a wrestler completely exhausts all of his energy, either because he has
low stamina, or by performing too many exhilarating moves early in the match making
him extremely fatigued.[1]
Blown spot or botched spot, a spot that does not go as planned.
Bomb scare, poorly attended match.[3]
Bonzo gonzo, a point in a tag team match when everyone is in the ring at once and the
referee has lost control.
Booked, a term that refers to the predetermined nature of wrestling. For example, a
booker will book a wrestler to win or lose a match, or a booker will book a wrestler to
engage in a particular storyline.
Booker, the person in charge of setting up matches and writing angles;[1] referred to as
the "Creative Team" by WWE.
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Booking, what a "booker" does. Booking is also the term a wrestler uses to describe a
scheduled match or appearance on a wrestling show. [1]
Botch, a scripted move that failed.
Bowling shoe ugly, a match that is generally sloppy, is filled with blown spots and
botches, and features very little scientific wrestling. Coined by Jim Ross.
Boys, what wrestlers call themselves (as in "the boys in the back"). [1]
Bozark, old term for a female professional wrestler. [1]
Broadway, when two wrestlers wrestle to a draw in a 20 to 60 minute time limit match.
Bull, an older, more "carny" term for a wrestling promoter. [1]
Bum, an unknown performer, usually new, whose job is losing to more experienced
wrestlers.
Bump, when a sports entertainer hits the mat or ground. [4][1]
Bump Card, the theory that a wrestler only has so many bumps in his body before he can
no longer perform in the ring. A wrestler may not want to use any highspots once signed
by the big leagues (or at least save them for PPVs) as it'll shorten his career.
Bump Ring, a wrestling ring designed with extra padding to be more comfortable for
taking bumps.[1]
Bury, refers to the worked lowering (relegation) of a popular wrestler's status in the eyes
of the fans.[1] It is also the act of a promoter or booker causing a wrestler to lose
popularity by forcing him to lose matches badly (squash) and/or making him participate
in unentertaining or degrading storylines. It can be a result of real-life backstage
disagreements or feuds between the wrestler and the booker, the wrestler falling out of
favor with the company, or the wrestler receiving an unpopular gimmick that causes him
to lose credibility regardless of win-loss record. (Compare "push")
Busted Open, term used to describe a wrestler that is bleeding. (Compare "juicing")
C
Call, when one wrestler instructs the other of what is going to happen in the match. [1]
Canned Heat, when cheers or boos are pumped into an arena via the sound system or
added to a television show in post-production.[1]
Card, the lineup of the matches that will be staged at a given venue for a given
performance.[1] The card is generally performed in a roughly inverse order to the way in
which it might be printed for posters or other promotional materials. The major matches
between well-known opponents may be for "titles" and are said to be "top of the card" or
"headliners" while the preliminary matches between lesser-known opponents are said to
be the "undercard." In Lucha libre, cards are generally five matches although big events
might have more and smaller promotions might not run the full five match card. The first
match is called the Primera Lucha, the second is called the Segunda Lucha, the third is
usually the Combate Especial or the Lucha Especial, the fourth or second to last match is
called the Lucha Semifinal and the main event is called the Lucha Estelar or Lucha
Estrella.
Carny, A language used by wrestlers to talk to each other around people not associated
with the business so they wouldn't understand what they were saying, often used to keep
the secrets of the business.[1]
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Carry, the act of one wrestler doing most of the work (selling moves, calling spots) to
make a match watchable.[1]
Catchphrase, a phrase or expression that is repeated in promos and interviews to
encourage crowd interaction.
Ceiling, lose matches.[5]
Champion's advantage, a term that explains a champion's rights and/or advantages. A
champion's inability to lose the title and the challenger's inability to win the title due to
disqualification and count out are examples of this. It is interesting to note that the
wrestling promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling does not adhere to this traditional
rule and often uses this as a way to further a wrestler's career and/or storylines.
Championship, in kayfabe, a recognition of a wrestler being the best in his or her
promotion or division in the form of a championship belt (also "title" or "strap"). Outside
of kayfabe, championships are won/held by a wrestler whom the bookers believe will
generate fan interest in terms of event attendance and television viewership.
Cheap heat, when a wrestler (often a heel) incites a negative crowd reaction by insulting
the crowd (by insulting the city or a local sports team) or by using a news event as part of
his promo.[1]
Cheap pop, when a wrestler (often a face) incites a positive crowd reaction by "kissing
up" to the crowd (for example, mentioning the name of the city or complimenting a local
sports team). Mick Foley notoriously uses cheap pops by using the city's name and giving
a foolhardy "thumbs-up" to the camera.
Cheap shot, when a wrestler uses a low blow or a foreign object to get an advantage over
his opponent.
Chemistry, when two wrestlers work well together by pulling off each others moves well
and telling the story well to the audience.
Circus, derogatory reference to a promotion's extensive use of cartoon-type gimmicks.
Often used in reference to the World Wrestling Federation during the 1980s and early
1990s, due to gimmicks such as clowns, animal mascots and wrestlers adopting animallike characteristics.
Claret, British slang for blood in a match. As in a promoter asking a wrestler to "Give us
some claret."
Clean finish, when a match ends without cheating or outside interference, usually in the
center of the ring. (Compare "screwjob")
Clean house, when a wrestler eliminates everyone in the ring, either in a battle royal or
during a save.
Closet champion, a current titleholder (usually a heel) who ducks top-flight competition,
cheats to win (often by managerial interference), and – when forced to wrestle good
opponents – deliberately causes himself to be disqualified (since titles often do not
change hands by disqualification) to retain his title. [1]
Clubberin', an exchange of heavy blows between two wrestlers. Coined by "The
American Dream" Dusty Rhodes.
Cluster or Clusterfuck, a large fight in the middle of the ring with a large number of
wrestlers which is used to end a match or show. (See schmozz)
Color, a term used by wrestlers and promoters to discuss the amount of bloodshed in a
match.[2][1]
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Color commentator, a member of the announcing team who assists the play-by-play
announcer by filling in any time when play is not in progress, providing humor, and
explaining storylines. Color commentators are often retired professional wrestlers, such
as JBL, Tazz, and Jerry Lawler.
Crash TV, a style of booking characterized by short matches and promos. So named
because of the sheer amount of TV slammed into a show. Popularized by Vince Russo.
Crimson mask, a face covered in blood. (See "Muta scale")
Cue, a term that lets other wrestlers know when something should happen, usually after a
move.
Curtain Call or the MSG Incident, the incident at Madison Square Garden in the Spring
of 1996, when WWE superstars Shawn Michaels, Diesel, Razor Ramon, and Triple H
(The Clique) broke kayfabe (out of character) in front of a live sold out New York crowd,
playing it out in a farewell to the crowd and a group hug.
Curtain jerker, the first match on the card, or a wrestler who wrestles in the first match
of the card, especially on a regular basis.
D
Dark match, a non-televised match at a televised show used to warm up the crowd
(compare "house show").[1] A dark match before the show begins is usually used to test
out new talent (often local to the event).[1] A dark match after the show typically features
main-event level wrestlers either to sell more tickets, or send the crowd home happy.
Daydreaming, a term used to refer to someone lying down for the pin.
Dead Weight , when a wrestler goes limp in the middle of a move. [1] This could be done
intentionally, either to make his opponent look weak or just "rib" him,[1] or
unintentionally because the "dead weight" wrestler is unfamiliar with the cooperation
needed to pull off a particular wrestling hold (or just not paying attention) or as a result of
injury. An example of unintentional dead weight would be Hulk Hogan's body slam on
Zeus during the Survivor Series 1989 where Hogan had to rely entirely on his own
strength to lift the relatively untrained Zeus. An example due to injury would be Jake
Roberts having to throw Ricky Steamboat into the ring without any help on Saturday
Night's Main Event following a DDT on the concrete that totally knocked Steamboat out.
See also Sandbag.
The Deal, another term for title belt.[1]
Death Match a more extreme version of a Hardcore Match that involves more weapons
and where bleeding / blading is commonplace.
Decision, a means in which a wrestler in an Iron Man match scores a point against his
opponent. In Iron Man matches, decisions can be rendered by pinfall, submission, countout, disqualification or knockout. A point is given to the appropriate wrestler, and the
wrestler with the highest number of points at the end of the allotted time wins the match.
Less frequently, a decision simply refers to the result of a match, by whatever
aforementioned means it came about.
Dirtsheet, a newsletter, magazine, or website that portrays wrestling as scripted
entertainment, rather than portraying it as a sport. Dirtsheets often offer backstage
information and gossip about wrestlers and others involved in wrestling.
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Diva, Aside from the original meaning of a hard to work with individual, this term is
used, mainly by WWE, to refer to any woman involved in wrestling, either as "eye
candy" or as a wrestler (or frequently both).
Diva Match, a match, usually involving inexperienced or non-wrestling women, that
does not require much wrestling expertise, such as a "Bra and Panties Match" or a
"Pillow Fight Match."
Do Business, when two wrestlers work together to get a match or an angle over or when
a wrestler does a job or angle when asked regardless of whether it helps him/her. [1]
Dogging, to put in minimal effort.
Doing Business On The Way Out, or aka Time Honored Tradition to job (lose) before
leaving a particular promotion in order to maintain a positive relationship.
Doom The epithet 'of doom' is often jokingly used to describe a move that is sold as
doing far more damage than it would in real life or if done by another wrestler.
Double-clutch, to hesitate and bounce before jumping off the top rope, resulting in
limited airtime and height.
Double Juice, when two wrestlers blade during a given match.[1] Can be expanded to
"triple juice", "quadruple juice", etc. [1]
Double Turn, the rare occurrence when both the heel and the face switch roles during an
angle or a match. An excellent example of this is the Bret Hart/Steve Austin match at
WrestleMania 13.
Down South: a term used to refer to World Championship Wrestling or any other
Southern-based promotion (including Total Nonstop Action Wrestling). (Compare: Up
North)
Draw, to be able to attract the attention of the audience. [1]
Drawing Power, having recognition with the fans as a star, someone fans pay to see. [1]
Drop, when a titleholder agrees to be booked to lose the title to a contender.
Dud, a very poor, boring or otherwise uninteresting match. [1] Can also be a match with
morally objectionable elements.
Dusty Finish, an ambiguous finish to a match where either wrestler can be claimed the
winner.[1] The "Dusty" in the term refers to Dusty Rhodes, who booked many such
finishes in NWA and later in WCW.[1]
E
End, Also known as the Finish.
Enforcer, a wrestler who accompanies another to matches, and acts as a bodyguard. [1]
This term was coined by Arn Anderson, whose nickname was "The Enforcer". Another
definition would be of an individual (usually a celebrity) who acts in a "special guest
referee" capacity from outside the ring, usually favouring one wrestler over another (such
as Chuck Norris at Survivor Series 1994 or Mike Tyson at WrestleMania XIV).
Enmascarado, Spanish term for a masked wrestler.
Extended hope, the longest hope spot in a match, designed to totally turn the crowd
against the heel by taking all the face's advantage.
Extreme wrestling, a style of wrestling based heavily on highspots and weapon attacks.
See also Hardcore wrestling.
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Extremists, term briefly used by WWE to refer to its ECW brand wrestlers to emphasize
that they, and the ECW brand, are more "extreme" in comparison to the Raw and
SmackDown! superstars.
F
Face, short for "babyface",[1] which means the good guy.[6]
Face in Peril, a more generic form of "Ricky Morton", a face in a tag team that gets
sympathy by being beaten on and stopped from making a tag.
Faction, see "stable."
False comeback, when a face mounts a brief offensive flurry before losing it to a heel
wrestler after being dominated for several minutes. [1] Usually, it occurs before the actual
comeback.
False finish, a spot which the audience expects a finish to the match but the wrestler
kicks out or makes it to the ropes, used to build excitement during the home stretch.
Fan cam, a video of a wrestling event taped by a member in the audience.
Fan Favorite, alternative name for a face, often used in magazines like PWI.
The Federation, an alternative slang name for World Wrestling Entertainment, referring
to its past days as the World Wrestling Federation and refusal of calling the company the
former.
Feeding, the heel's role during a face comeback where he runs at the face only to be
repeatedly fended off, with the hope that the series of bumps by the heel will generate
positive fan heat for the face.[1] A babyface could also feed the heel in hopes of
generating fan sympathy.[1]
Feud, a battle between two or more wrestlers or stables, often involving matches, promos
and angles.[1] A feud usually lasts for several months.
Fighting Spirit, a demonstration of a wrestler's will to win in the face of adversity,
usually in a spot involving the no selling of a supposedly powerful or match-ending
move. Originates from puroresu, though some American indy workers influenced by
puroresu have since began to implement such spots into their matches.
Finish, the planned end of a match.[1] (See "Dusty Finish" and "Clean Finish")
Finisher, a wrestler's trademark move that leads to a finish. [1]
Five Moves of Doom, a particular combination of moves that a wrestler uses in every
match, often in the same sequence, usually leading to the finish. Often associated with
Bret Hart or, more recently, John Cena.
Five Star Bump, when a wrestler takes an impressive, massive bump, such as Mick
Foley's bump from top of the Cell at King of the Ring and Jack Evans' two bumps from
the top of the cage at CZW's Cage Of Death 6.
***** (Five Star) Match, a perfect match, not just one of the best matches of the year
but one of the best matches of all time.
Flair chop, a chop to the chest made popular by Ric Flair, usually followed by the
"WOOOOO" by Flair and/or the fans. (See "Pitching Some Woos").
Flair Flip, a move, popularized by Ric Flair, where a wrestler is flipped upside down
upon hitting the corner turnbuckle and often ends up on the other side of the ropes on his
feet on the ring apron.[1]
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Flair Flop, Ric Flair's trademark gimmick of selling a blow by taking a few steps and
then falling face-forward with his legs going backward.
Flat back bump, a bump in which a wrestler lands solidly on his back with high impact,
spread over as much surface as possible. [1]
Flub coverup, when a poorly executed maneuver is called a "variation" or "modified" by
the announce team.
Fluff, a move or punch that is made to look or sound as though it hurt but the opponent
feels nothing.
Flying Burrito is a wrestling move that was given to Shawn Michaels on RAW in 2004
with a different name (Flying Forearm). The move is a flying forearm to the opponent,
who crashes to the mat on their backs, followed by a kip-up around the same time the
wrestler(s) gets up. Tito Santana used a variation of this move which was termed the
Flying Jalapeno by Bobby Heenan.
Following, a term used for a wrestlers' fanbase.
Foreign Object, an object that is illegal to the match, such as a chair, brass knuckles,
garbage can, etc.[1]
**** (Four Star) Match, an exciting and entertaining match, given four out of a possible
5 stars. Considered to be a Match of the Year candidate.
Four-Way, a term used in tag team wrestling, when each member of a team pairs off
with another wrestler on the other team and continue to brawl, this is a point in the match
where the referee loses control of the match, this usually happens right before the finish.
Freebird rule, an unofficial rule which allows any two members of a tag team with three
or more members to defend a tag team championship. Named for the Fabulous Freebirds,
who famously did this in Georgia Championship Wrestling. A more recent example of
this would be the Spirit Squad's tag team championship reign.
Front office or Office, the headquarters and staff that handles the administrative affairs
of a wrestling promotion.
G
Gaijin, an American, or other foreign worker in Japanese promotions. (Not strictly a
wrestling term, as it is a Japanese word for a foreigner).
Garbage Wrestling, "hardcore" matches or extremely spot heavy matches wherein
wrestlers use nothing but weaponry or highly planned out spots to attack each other, also
outrageous gimmick matches that have no obvious elements of traditional in-ring
competition.[1] The term was coined by Giant Baba of All Japan Pro-Wrestling when he
referred to Atsushi Onita's FMW promotion (which used barbed wire and other such
dangerous implements) as "garbage." The term later evolved to encompass spotfests as
well.
Gas, 1. Steroids[1] (see also juice and roids) or 2. Stamina (as in "out of gas", when a
wrestler is tired and unable to perform properly)
Gate, amount of money generated from ticket sales. [1] Merchandise sales are often a part
of "the gate."
Geek, to cut oneself.[1]
Get Over, a campaign designed by the bookers to make a wrestler (or a group of
wrestlers) either popular or a credible threat; in other words, someone that an audience
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would pay to see. (Example: Triple H's feud with Batista in 2005 was designed to get
Batista over.)
Get the Tights, grabbing the opponent's upper part of the trousers or shorts or the lower
part of the shirt or tank top in order to get the pin.
Gig, the blade a wrestler uses to cut himself. [1]
Gig mark, a scar from blading.[1]
Gimmick, a wrestler's personality, behavior, attire and/or other distinguishing traits while
performing. It can also be an implement used to cheat. For example, Jeff Jarrett's
gimmick of knocking out opponents with his guitar, and the guitar itself is also a
"gimmick." In recent years, the emphasis has been on more realistic gimmicks which
portray the wrestler as an actual person, albeit with exaggerated personality traits, as
opposed to previous years during which gimmicks could be best described as cartoonish.
Over a wrestler's career, he or she may be expected to portray many gimmicks, most of
which may be implausible or inconsistent. Sometimes a wrestler may undergo a complete
on-screen personality change from one week to the next.
Gimmicked, an object that has been altered to break easily.[1]
Gimmick Table, place where a (usually independent) wrestler sells his merchandise,
usually by the concession stand.
Gizmo/Gizzmo, old term for gimmick.[1]
Glorified Jobber, a well-known wrestler whose primary function is losing to other wellknown wrestlers.
Go home, a saying that a wrestler is told by a ringside commentator or the referee which
indicates that the wrestlers should end the match shortly thereafter. [1] (See Take (it)
home)
Go over, to beat someone.[1]
Goozle, the single handed choke hold a wrestler puts on their opponent in before a
chokeslam.
Go through, a time limit draw.[1]
Going bush, a wrestler who moves from a major league promotion to a regional or
independent promotion.[1]
Going into business for ones-self, when a wrestler goes against what has been discussed
for a match or segment and improvises, usually for the benefit of their own character or
persona.
Gongus Wrongus, refers to the futile ringing of the bell during a post-match beatdown.
Good Hand, a wrestler who other wrestlers enjoy working with due to the wrestler being
in total control during the match, not getting lost, and not working too stiff or too light. [1]
Gorilla Position, the position behind the stage curtain where wrestlers wait before they
become in view of the crowd. Named after the legendary Gorilla Monsoon.
Green, refers to a wrestler (often called a green boy) who is in the early stages of their
career and, as a result, may be prone to make mistakes because of their inexperience.[1]
Gusher, a deep cut that bleeds a lot, usually caused by a mistake while blading but can
be intentional.[1]
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H
Hangman, when a wrestler twists the second rope over the third with his neck caught inbetween, which results in the illusion of the wrestler hanging from his neck by the
ropes.[6]
Ham-and-Egger, a jobber. The term originates from the salaries paid to enhancement
talents, which are low, but can still buy a simple meal. The expression was used most
extensively by manager and color commentator, Bobby Heenan.
Hardcore wrestling, matches that focus on the use of weapons such as chairs, chains,
fireballs, ladders, and tire irons, often combined with brawling all over the arena, rather
than traditional wrestling holds and techniques, also referred to by some as "garbage"
wrestling.
Hard Flop, a match that (kayfabe) ends by a ref's decision because one wrestler is
incapacitated and unable to finish.
Hardway, when a move does much more damage than a worked move. [1]
Hardway juicing, bleeding that is not self-inflicted. (Compare blading" and "juicing")
Heat, a wrestler getting a negative crowd reaction. [1] (See "cheap heat," "canned heat,"
and "X-Pac heat")
Head drop, a move which, as a result of a botch, causes the receiver to be dropped on
their head, often resulting in a legit concussion or other injury such as a broken neck.
Also, especially in puroresu, the term can refer to a bump which is intended to make a
move appear as if the receiver landed on his/her head. In reality, the full force of the
move is intended to be taken on the upper back and shoulders, though such moves still
carry a high degree of legitimate risk with them.
Heat vacuum, a phrase associated with workers who are not able to get any crowd
reaction, either positive or negative.
Heel, a bad guy.[6][1] (Compare "tweener" and "face")
High on, to be impressed by a worker enough one way or another to push him/her.
Highspot, a top-rope move, or a series of maneuvers perceived as dangerous. [1]
Hood, the mask of a masked wrestler.[1]
Hooker, a wrestler with strong legitimate mat-wrestling abilities and an array of matchending (or in extreme cases, career ending) holds known as "hooks," hence the name. [1] In
the early 20th century, one who has worked for carnivals taking on "all comers." Since
these types of events are on the decline, this word is falling out of common usage. A
hooker is the opposite of a pure performer. Examples include Lou Thesz or Kurt Angle.
Hope spot, when a babyface is being beaten on by a heel and teases a brief comeback,
only to have the heel take over offense again. [1] (See "comeback spot")
Hoss, a large wrestler who lacks talent and has a low workrate.
Hotshot, when a promoter or booker rushes to a feud, a climax of a feud, or books a big
match on television instead of at a pay-per-view in order to get a short-term boost for
business.[1] Also applies to angles or turns that are done for shock value rather than acting
as a part of an ongoing storyline.[1]
Hot Tag, in a tag team match, when a face wrestler tags in a fresh partner after several
minutes of being dominated by his opponents. [1] Often the hot tag happens after several
teases (where the other face is enticed into the ring, only to be stopped by the referee and
the heels getting away with illegal tactics).
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House show, a non-televised show.[1] (Compare "dark match")
Hulking Up, when a wrestler begins to come back in a match by no-selling a wrestler's
moves and fights back. Named for Hulk Hogan, who did this in many of his matches in
America. (See "Superhuman Comeback")
Hung Up to Dry, when a wrestler (typically male) lands onto the rope with their groin.
I
Indy, short for "independent promotion," refers to a wrestling group that is too small to
compete on a national level.
International Object, a 1980s alternate term for "foreign object" during a time when
Ted Turner had a policy on his networks that no one was to use the word "foreign," but
instead "international."[7] Wrestling announcers on TBS picked up on this, and a foreign
object is still occasionally, jokingly, called an "international object."
International Spot, a spot generally used at the start of a match.
Internet wrestling community, fans (often smarks) who talk about professional
wrestling via the Internet.
J
Job, a scheduled loss.[1]
Jobber, a wrestler whose primary function is losing to better-known wrestlers.[1]
Jobber to the Stars, a mid-card wrestler who is fairly well-known and gains victories
over lesser-known wrestlers on occasion, but is primarily used as a jobber to talent higher
on the card than him.
Joshi, Japanese women's wrestling.
Juice, steroids.[1] (See gas and roids). It can also mean blood, usually from the
forehead.[1]
Juicing, bleeding (frequently, but not always, self-inflicted).[2] (Compare "blading" and
"hard-way juicing")
K
Kayfabe, term used to describe the illusion (and up-keep of the illusion) that professional
wrestling is not staged (i.e. that the on-screen situations between performers represent
reality).[1] Also used by wrestlers as a signal to close ranks and stop discussing business
due to an uninformed person arriving in earshot. [1] The term is said to have been loosely
derived from the Pig Latin pronunciation of the word "fake" ("akefay").
Kick out, when a wrestler breaks a pin by kicking upward, usually right before the ref
counts to three.
Kill, to diminish or eliminate heat or drawing power. There are a variety of ways to do
this, but mostly it is done by having a wrestler do too many jobs. A house can be killed
by too many screw-job endings. Synonymous with bury.
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Kill [the/a] Town, to put on such a horrible performance as to make it impossible for any
promotion to put on a financially successful show in that location for an extended period
of time.
L
Lead ass, a wrestler who is often uncooperative in the ring; or, the act of being
uncooperative in the ring.[1]
Legit, anything that is "real"; for example, a "legit" wrestler has a background in actual
fighting, a "legit" event is one that actually took place (outside of kayfabe), a "legit" fight
is when two wrestlers actually come to blows. Often used as a synonym for shoot.
Legit heat, a real-life conflict between wrestlers.
Light, the appearance of being too easy on an opponent. [1]
Lights out, a spot in a match where the lights in the arena turn off; when they come back
on, either the referee or another wrestler will appear to be knocked out, allegedly having
been attacked by an unknown assailant during the dormancy period.
Lock up, the beginning of a match.[8]
Looking at the lights, another term for being pinned .(See Staring at the ceiling)
Loose, applying holds with less force than average. [1]
Locker Room Sell-out, when the wrestlers in the locker room are so interested in the
match they watch the monitors. Sometimes called a Curtain Sell-out because they often
peek through the curtain as well.
Lucha libre or Lucha, Mexican professional wrestling, which translates to "Free
Fighting".[1] It is used to describe the Mexican style of wrestling that consists of highflying acrobatic moves.[1]
Luchador, a Mexican wrestler; Luchadores is the proper plural form.
Lucha rat, a fan that prefers Mexican-style professional wrestling over American-style.
Lunch Wagon, a derogatory term for a wrestler that is booked for their size as opposed
to their wrestling abilities. For example: The Great Khali.
M
Main eventer, a wrestler who is viewed by management to be one of the top draws on
the roster and thus is promoted in Main Events.
Manager, a performer assigned to accompany a wrestler to the ring and, usually, put
them over in interviews.[1] They are often used to help a heel cheat and incite the
crowd.[1]
Mania Era, (also referred to as the Federation Years) refers to the time period spanning
from 1984-1993 in WWF/WWE history when Vince McMahon took the company from
being a regionally promoted business to a successful national business. The term
"Mania" denoting the era is attributed to "Hulkamania" being the dominant aspect of the
era. This time is also sometimes referred to as the Showtime Era, The Superstars Era, The
Hulkamania Era, or the Federation Era.
Mark, a fan who believes that some or all of professional wrestling is real. [1] The term
can also be applied to a fan who idolizes a particular wrestler, promotion, or style of
wrestling to a point some might consider excessive.[1] (Compare "smark")
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Marking out, a moment of enjoying professional wrestling "for what it is" rather than
analyzing its staged nature.[1]
Marriage, a long drawn out feud between two wrestlers, teams, or personalities. [1]
Máscara, a Mexican masked wrestler (from the Spanish for mask).
Meat Squad, refers to anyone of a group of known jobbers within promotions, someone
known to be jobbing is referred to as being a member of the Meat Squad
Mercy Kill, quickly ending an angle or match that has gotten to a level where the fans no
longer care.
Mic Work, the art of speaking and giving promos.
Mid-carder, a wrestler who wrestles in the middle of shows, is seen as being high in
seniority but less than a money draw.[1]
Missed Spot, a move in which the timing is off or it showed "light". Also referred to as a
Blown Spot.[1]
Money Mark, someone who invests money into a promotion or starts a promotion to rub
shoulders with pro wrestlers.[1] A money mark is usually ridiculed by wrestlers when he
or she is not within their presence.[1]
Money Match, a non-title match which was the most heavily promoted of the card that is
placed near or at the end of a live event, which is the main reason fans attended the event
or watched the event.[1]
Money Promo, a promo that is so good and meaningful that it's enough to draw buyrates
for the PPV all by itself.
Monster heel, a villain who is portrayed as unstoppable, usually to set up a feud with a
promotion's lead face.[1] Particularly applies to heels who are physically monsterous,
grotesque, or just plain scary. Examples: Andre the Giant, Abdullah the Butcher, The
Great Muta, and Brock Lesnar.
Montreal Screwjob (or just Montreal), an incident at Survivor Series 1997 where
referee Earl Hebner claimed that Bret Hart submitted to Shawn Michaels and Vince
McMahon ordered to bell to be rung in order to take the WWF Championship title from
Hart who was exiting the World Wrestling Federation for World Championship
Wrestling.
Moondogs, cutoff blue jeans with heavily frayed ends. This term refers to the ring gear
worn by the Moondogs tag team.
Mouthpiece, a manager who does the promos for a wrestler with little or no mic skills. [1]
Muta scale, a scale to measure the amount of blood lost by a wrestler in a match. The
scale goes from 0.0 (no blood loss) to 1.0 (corresponds to the amount of blood lost by
The Great Muta during a 1992 match against Hiroshi Hase, during which Muta
performed what is widely hailed as the most gruesome bladejob of all time).
N
Near-fall, occurs when a wrestler's shoulders are pinned to the mat for a count of two,
but the wrestler manages to escape before the referee's hand hits the mat a third time,
which would signify a pinfall.
New Generation, an era in World Wrestling Entertainment spanning from mid-1994
through late-1997 where technical wrestling and younger stars were pushed such as Bret
Hart and Shawn Michaels, weapons and blood were downplayed (for the most part) and a
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more "family oriented" television program was broadcast. This is in contrast to the
"Federation Years" which was dominated by muscular types, such as Hulk Hogan, who
generally did not wrestle very technically and the "Attitude Era" where a more violent
type of wrestling was introduced and the television shows were more vulgar and mature
in nature.
New York, going to the big time, as World Wrestling Entertainment's "World
Headquarters" is in the New York area (Connecticut to be exact).
No Holds Barred, a match than cannot end by disqualification or count-out. Its origin
comes from the older days of wrestling where specific maneuvers or submission holds
were illegal, such as a piledriver in Memphis, Tennessee. In today's wrestling, the rule
generally permits the use of weapons and outside interference.
No-sell, giving no reaction to another wrestler's offense or moves. [1]
No-show, when a wrestler doesn't show up for a match. [1] No-shows are usually staged,
often for the purposes of a storyline. Genuine no-shows are less frequent, since the
wrestler (or other employee) is usually fired or suspended afterwards. Examples:
Ultimate Warrior in the summer of 1996 and Stone Cold Steve Austin in 2002.
O
Office, when one wrestler indicates to another to reverse a submission hold. For example,
when Jake Roberts had Shawn Michaels in a headlock, Jake squeezed Shawn's wrist, to
indicate that he wanted Shawn to reverse the hold. [9]
One-Fall, a match that requires one decision to end, such as a pinfall, a submission, a
count-out, or a disqualification. Certain matches can only be won by a specific fall. For
example, a "No Holds Barred" match can only end by pinfall or submission. A ring
announcer will generally announce "This match is scheduled for one-fall" when such a
match takes place.
Outlaw Promotion, a promotion set up in an established promoter's area with the intent
to oust the established promoter.[1] The idea of Outlaw Promotions has mostly died out
along with territorial wrestling promotions.
Outlaw rule, a rule stating that in a four-way tag team match (where anyone is allowed
to tag anyone else) partners on the same team can't pin each other. Named for the New
Age Outlaws, who once simply pinned each other to win a match and retain their Tag
Team Championship over three other teams.
Over, refers to a performer whom the fans care about (either positively or negatively) or
the act of making someone look good, often by losing to them.[1] Wrestlers can be over as
either faces or heels. The term suggests that the fans are buying into what the wrestler is
selling, meaning his character. One of the most common ways a wrestler can be "put
over" is by winning a match. It's also possible to put someone over by taking bumps or
selling a move.
Over-book, a match that involves two or more variations on a finish usually resulting in
confusion or complication. (Example: the Razor Ramon vs. I.R.S. match at the 1994
Royal Rumble featured a ref bump, a run-in, and a Dusty finish. (Compare "clusterfuck")
Over-sell, showing too much of a reaction to another wrestler's offense. (Example:
Shawn Michaels oversold Hulk Hogan's offense at SummerSlam 2005.)
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Over-the-top Flop, used by Ric Flair going to the top turnbuckle, only to be thrown off
with a press slam to the mat.
P
Paper, to give away a great number of free (comped) tickets to increase the size of the
crowd for publicity. [1]
Paying Dues, the concept that newer or younger wrestlers must be hazed or punished in
the early parts of their careers, both in and out of the ring. [1] (See "job" and "rib")
Phantom bump, when a wrestler or referee takes a bump even though the move they are
selling was visibly botched or otherwise not present.[1]
Pier Six Brawl, term used to describe a wild brawl. Made famous by Jim Ross. (See
Slobberknocker)
Pillmanize, when a wrestler "breaks" the bone of another wrestler by placing it between
the seat and backrest of a closed folding chair and jumping on the chair. The technique
was originally used on Brian Pillman's ankle by Stone Cold Steve Austin in a 1996 feud.
Pitching Some Woos common known as "Flair chops" a chop to the chest at the
turnbuckle, made popular by Ric Flair. Shawn Michaels is also known to use the move.
The chop(s) usually followed by the "WOOOOO" by the fans, or Flair.
Plant, is a professional wrestling term for a trained wrestler or actor who poses as a fan,
usually seated in the front row of an event. [1] Plants are a good tool for a heel wrestler to
gain heat from the crowd.[1] Usually the "plant" is an unknown trained wrestler. [1] (Note:
not all attacks on fans are on "plants". Occasionally, a wrestler will start a legit attack on
a real fan who has engaged in behavior such as spitting, cursing, or insulting the
wrestler's family members).
Play-by-play, the reporting of a sporting event with a voice over describing the details of
the action of the match in progress. The play-by-play person is assisted by a color
commentator.
Plunder, weapons (garbage cans, road signs, kendo sticks, etc.) that are used during a
hardcore match. Pulling several weapons of this kind from under the ring, or bringing
them to the ring from the backstage area, is called "loading up the plunder".
Policeman, a wrestler – usually one who has worked with a promotion for several years
and is loyal to the top officials – who shoots with an uncooperative opponent to either
make a point or as a "punishment".[1]
Politician, a wrestler who establishes connections with management in hopes of
garnering the backstage clout to influence creative and business decisions behind the
scenes.
Pop, a sudden crowd reaction, either positive or negative. [1]
Popcorn Match, a match that the audience doesn't care about, put on the card to provide
incentive for fans to leave their seats to buy from the merchandise or concession stands. [1]
Possum (or playing possum), to fake an injury to get an opponent into a more favorable
situation.
Post, to ram an opponent into the steel ring post. [1]
Potato, an intentional or accidental legit punch. [1] Sometimes done when the wrestlers are
close to the crowd. Other times done as a shoot or a cheap shot at a lesser opponent (a
jobber) who isn't allowed to fight back.
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Preliminary Wrestler, alternative name for enhancement talent or jobber used in
magazines like PWI.
Promo, a promotional interview (as in "cutting a promo"). [1] Often includes either an "inring interview" or (on television) a skit by wrestlers and other performers to advance a
storyline or feud.[1]
Promotion, a group that organizes professional wrestling events. [1]
Pull-apart Brawl, a match that originally involves two or more wrestlers but degenerates
into a brawl.[1] At that point, other face and heel wrestlers from the locker room storm the
ring, after which an all-out brawl results.[1] Usually, these matches end in a no contest or
double disqualification. Alternatively: two wrestlers brawl without regard to the rules and
other referees and officials enter the ring to break it up.
Puroresu or Puro, Japanese professional wrestling
Put Over, to allow oneself to be pinned or otherwise defeated by someone or to
compliment them in an interview to get that person over.[1]
Psychology, the story of a match. It can be as simple as a wrestler going after someone's
bad leg or trying to hit a move to which the wrestler knows they have a weakness.
Push, when a wrestler gains popularity with wins and positive exposure. [1] A push can be
a sudden win over a major superstar, or becoming involved in a high profile angle.
(Compare "bury")
Push "through the moon", when a wrestler gains popularity really fast, semi-new to the
company, winning titles or winning a lot of matches.
Put to sleep, a when a match or an interview elicits no reaction from the audience or
bores them to the point that they may not retain interest for the rest of a show.
R
Rasslin', refers to a Southern style of professional wrestling. It was synonymous with the
NWA-affiliated promotions. Rasslin' included TV tapings at smaller venues, as compared
to the larger and more well-known arenas utilized by northern U.S. promotions such as
the AWA and W(W)WF. The term is derived from a phonetic spelling of how the word
"wrestling" sounds when spoken with a heavy Southern accent. It is also commonly used
in a derogatory manner by non-Southern wrestling fans to describe that style of wrestling.
When Ted Turner purchased Jim Crockett Promotions in 1988, he allegedly called Vince
McMahon to tell him that he was now in the "rasslin'" business. McMahon differentiated
his company's style by responding, "That's great, Ted. I'm in the entertainment business."
Receipt, seeking revenge against another wrestler when after that person put too much
force into his attacks or maneuvers on his opponent, deliberately or accidentally.
Red means Green, a phrase used to describe bleeding makes money.[1] If you bleed red
(blood) you will get Green (more money).
Ref bump, when the referee for a match is intentionally knocked out, generally to allow
outside interference or other illegal act. [1]
Repackage, to completely change a wrestler's gimmick, going beyond a simple face or
heel turn. Usually, wrestlers are taken off of TV for a period of time before being
repackaged. Other times wrestlers are repackaged quickly, on TV, by simply acting
differently.
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BLOOD'N'GUTZ™
Rest hold, a hold applied more lightly at a designated point in a match in order to save
energy.[1]
Rib, practical jokes played by or on wrestlers.[1] Owen Hart was known to pull ribs on the
boys and Vince McMahon. Wrestlers spend a lot of time together in close quarters and
often resort to practical jokes, either to break the monotony or to get revenge for real or
imagined wrongs.
Ribber, someone involved in the pro wrestling business who is well known for playing
practical jokes.
Ring Rat or Rat, someone with amorous feelings for wrestlers and frequents wrestling
events to flirt or pursue sexual liaisons with wrestlers.[1]
Ring Rust, when a wrestler is out-of-practice, and thus more prone to blow spots, as a
result of a long period away from wrestling.
Ringer, a veteran wrestler that often administers stretching to ill-disciplined newcomers.
(See "Policeman")
Rocketbuster, term coined by Tazz for a wild brawl. (See Slobberknocker)
Road Agent, this person/crew of people run live events (house shows) backstage, assist
the bookers, and produce the finishes of the match(s). They also help put together a
televised (or non televised) program.
Roid Rage, paranoia, depression, and explosive outbursts caused by steroid use. [10]
Roids, steroids.[10] (See gas and juice)
Rope Break, When a wrestler that is in a hold reaches the ropes, the hold must be
broken.
Rub, when a wrestler makes another wrestler look good to build them up in the eyes of
the fans. Usually a wrestler with higher status will "give a rub" to an up and comer,
especially when the higher status wrestler is on his way out of the company. (See "Put
over")
Rube, a term to describe a fan who believes pro wrestling is real. (See mark)
Rudo, a Mexican heel wrestler.
Rulebreaker, alternative name for heel often used in such magazines as PWI.
Run-in, occurs when one or more individuals who are not actively participating in a
match run into the ring.[1] Run-ins are made by heels, typically to further a feud with a
face.[1] More often than not, a run-in will result in a "beatdown" in which the heel(s)
pummel the face(s) until the script calls for the beating to stop, either from the heels'
satisfaction with their handiwork, a retaliatory run-in by one or more faces, or (less often)
the entrance of one or more authority figures (referees, road agents, security personnel).
Sometimes a run-in results from a face wanting to stop a heel from physically punishing a
weaker opponent, usually to set up a feud.
Rushed finish, when the end of a match is hurried, usually due to a botch, injury, or time
constraints.
S
Sandbag, to not cooperate with a throw and to act as dead weight, which makes the
moves the wrestler is attempting much harder, if not impossible to pull off. [1] It's usually
done in protest to something the wrestler giving the move has done in the match, such as
not protecting his/her opponent or working stiff.
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BLOOD'N'GUTZ™
Save, when one or more wrestlers enter the ring to aid an ally.
Scientific wrestling, refers to wrestling action that relies on amateur or Catch-As-CatchCan wrestling holds and maneuvers.
Scientific wrestler, a wrestler who often utilizes a "scientific" style. Many scientific
wrestlers are also excellent brawlers who use those skills when needed.
Schmoz, a crowd of wrestlers in a brawl, designed to end a feud or angle. [1]
Screwjob, a match with a controversial or unsatisfying finish, often involving cheating or
outside interference.[1]
Second wind, the idea of a face wrestler trying to get back into a match up, after
suffering a lot of offense at the hands of a dominating heel.
Sell, reacting to an opponents attacks in a manner that suggests that the techniques are
being applied at full-force.[1]
Send it, a wrestler telling another wrestler to "send it" is telling them to deliver a chair
shot using the wrong (and unsafe) side of the chair.
Seven Year Rule the statute of limitations before a finished angle, gimmick, or storyline
can be used again without being criticized for re-hashing storylines. This phrase was
coined by accomplished manager and promoter Jim Cornette. Not to be confused with the
three month rule, which deals with the expiration of kayfabe.
Sheep, Wrestling fans who frequent wrestling websites, and kiss up to favorite wrestlers
in hopes of gaining their attention or "talking" to them.
Shine, the point at the beginning of most matches where the face briefly takes an
advantage over the heel. This period of the match is intended to convey the talent and
ability of the face and is usually ended when the heel cheats or employs unsportsmanlike
tactics to gain the upper hand.
Shock TV, using risque angles and promoting controversy in order to draw ratings.
Shoot, any "real" event in the world or wrestling (as in "shoot interview"). [1] (Compare
"worked shoot")
Shooter, a wrestler who has a background in legitimate fighting (originally catch
wrestling, now more often mixed martial arts), or otherwise has a reputation as a tough
guy.[1] One notch below a "hooker".
Shootfighting, competitive full-contact mixed martial arts tournaments, used in
comparison to the staged performances of professional wrestling.
Showing Light, when a wrestler visually shows making no contact to his opponent when
performing an attack.[1]
Showing Your Ass, an older term for a heel doing something to make the crowd dislike
him or put over the face, including bumping more, complaining to the referee, playing
chicken, etc. The term is thought to have come from a popular comedic move done on
heels during the early days of professional wrestling where the face would perform a
sunset flip and "accidentally" pull down the heel's tights.
Showman, A wrestler who can entertain the crowd even without wrestling.
Six Pack, A match in which 6 wrestlers face each other at once with no count-outs or
disqualifications.
Skin The Cat, a term used to describe when a wrestler goes either over or through the
ropes to the outside but is able to pull themselves back into the ring without touching the
floor.
Slobberknocker, term used to describe a wild brawl. Made famous by Jim Ross.
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BLOOD'N'GUTZ™
Slop Match, term used to describe a match - almost always between female wrestlers taking place in a pool of mud or a similar substance.
Smark, a portmanteau of "smart mark," a phrase coined by internet smart marks to
describe a fan who enjoys pro wrestling despite or because they know that it is staged. [1]
Brian Pillman cut an in-famous promo about smarks when he made his debut in ECW.
(compare "mark").
Smart, someone who has inside information on the wrestling business.[1]
Smarten Up, To reveal the secrets of professional wrestling to somebody who was
previously unaware.
Sock, an older term for a masked wrestler.
Sports Entertainment, a term coined by WWE to differentiate its product from
traditional professional wrestling as an attempt to garner interest from a broader
audience. It refers to the mix of wrestling, scripted storylines, and concepts which borrow
from other forms of pop-culture entertainment.
Sports Entertainment Finish, a TV main event that ends with a run-in or stable
beatdown, the final shot before going off the air being a wrestler posing over or walking
away from a fallen wrestler, the fallen wrestler reacting to a beating, a victorious wrestler
celebrating, etc, yet when the cameras stop rolling the face will generally regain the upper
hand to send the in house crowd home happy.
Spot, a preplanned move,[1] which is designed to get a particular audience reaction or
determine the pace of the match. Spots can be anything from an Irish Whip at a certain
time, to a series of spots, for example a succession of reversals. Wrestlers who
choreograph their matches before the show will usually decide on an opening spot and a
take home spot, as well as several spots to use throughout the match. The remainder of
the match will be divided between transition moves and general offensive and defensive
moves. (See "high spot" and "blown spot")
Spotfest, a match which consists mainly or entirely of spots, normally with little flow
between moves and no logical transitions. Referring to a match as a spotfest may have
positive and negative connotations. A spotfest is normally a fast-paced, exciting match
with constant displays of athleticism. When the term is used in a pejorative context, the
match appears choreographed (for example, it may contain Spot shuffles, where wrestlers
will put themselves in obvious danger). In addition, spotfests often contain many high
risk moves (i.e. aerial maneuvers), and therefore endanger the health of the participants.
Spotfests tend to be more common in cruiserweight matches.
Spot Monkey, a wrestler who is capable of performing incredible spots but not known
for any other skills.
Spot Shuffle, when a wrestler who is out of position moves into position to allow his
opponent to execute a maneuver.
Spud, a match with a lot of "potatoes".[1]
Squash, an extremely one-sided match which is usually over quickly. [1]
Stable, is a group of wrestlers within a promotion who have a common element -friendships, either real or storyline, a common manager, or a common storyline -- which
puts them together as a unit. Stables can be small alliances of three to six wrestlers (like
Evolution, The Cabinet, The Four Horsemen, MNM, The Dudley Boyz, Team Xtreme,
Team Canada, Planet Jarrett, the Latin American Exchange, D-Generation X and others),
133
BLOOD'N'GUTZ™
or supergroups that include up to half the promotion's talent roster (like the New World
Order (nWo) and Sports Entertainment Xtreme).
Stalling, a heel tactic whereby anything is done to avoid wrestling.
Star ratings, a scale used by fans and/or critics to rate the quality of a wrestling match
(DUD being the worst, four or five being match of the year quality). Often used on recap
websites. Derived from the various popular systems used for rating movies, hotels, and
restaurants.
Staring at the Ceiling, another term for getting pinned (also see "looking at the lights").
Stiff, when a wrestler puts force into his attacks or maneuvers on his opponent,
deliberately or accidentally.[1]
Stooge, although this sometimes means "to tell on someone," it more often refers to a
heel wrestler booked in the position of underling associate of another heel. [1] The stooge
will do his boss' dirty work,[1] such as getting squashed in matches against a face (with
whom the heel has a feud) to set up a run-in (and subsequent beatdown) and future
match.
Strap, another name for the championship/title belt in a promotion. [1]
Stretch, to apply submission locks and holds with full force. [1]
Strong Style, a Japanese professional wrestling style that is worked, yet aims to deliver
realistic performances.[1] The style emphasizes stiff attacks and worked shoots. [1]
Stroke, backstage influence.
Stunt Granny, is an obvious "plant". The term comes from the NBC television special
Exposed! Pro Wrestling's Greatest Secrets, which claimed to expose many of the secrets
of professional wrestling, including the use of plants.
Sunday Wrestling or Saturday wrestling, often referring to syndicated wrestling shows
that aired on local TV stations on the weekends during the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s.
(See WWF Superstars of Wrestling, WWF Wrestling Challenge, WCW Saturday Night,
and WCW WorldWide)
Superhuman comeback, when one wrestler, usually a face, no-sells his opponent's
offense, usually after several minutes of being dominated. [1] This tactic usually sets up
the finish and victory by the face wrestler. The most common example is Hulk Hogan.
Superman Booking, a term used by internet fans to describe wrestlers who have been
booked to look unstoppable, ie: winning all their matches and dominating during feuds.
ie: Goldberg, John Cena, Batista and Bobby Lashley
Superstar, a term used by the WWF/WWE when talking about a wrestler instead of
"wrestler". i.e WWE doesn't have any actual wrestlers, they have Superstars.
Swerve, a sudden change in the direction of a storyline to surprise the fans. Usually, but
not always, it involves one wrestler turning on an ally, often to join someone who had
been a mutual enemy to that point. These swerves almost always lead to the start of a new
feud between the former friends. Another kind of swerve is when a booker does
everything in their power to convince the fans that something specific is going to happen
at a show or someone they're expecting is going to debut (or come back), only to then do
something completely different. It is sometimes the result of a false report by a wrestler
to the press.[1]
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BLOOD'N'GUTZ™
T
Tag team, a pair of superstars working together in a tag team match (a match which pits
two or more teams of wrestlers against one another).
Take home or Take it home, the last spot of a match or an instruction to a wrestler to
finish the match.
Tap Out, submitting to a submission maneuver by tapping on the mat. Unheard of in
World Wrestling Entertainment until late 1997 when Bret Hart tapped out to an ankle
lock applied by Ken Shamrock while the referee was bumped. Previously, wrestlers
would vocally tell the referee if they wished to submit or not. Today, the tap-out method
is used almost entirely.
Taterin, getting hit with a "potato."
Technical, a worker with a legit amount of skill and athletic ability.
Técnico, a Mexican face wrestler.
Three-count, a pinfall.
Three Month Rule, a term describing the removal from kayfabe of old angles and other
events, typically after at least three months have passed without on-screen mention.
Anything removed under the "Three Month Rule" can, however, be restored as part of
future storylines. The term is normally used only to refer to angles and events that are
directly or implicitly contradicted by the current storyline, such as inaccurate claims by
the announcers that a wrestler has "never beaten" his current opponent. Not to be
confused with the "Seven Year Rule", which deals with rehashing of storylines.
Tights, wrestling attire. Traditionally, wrestlers dress in some form of tights, trunks, or
singlet. Modern wrestlers more often use unorthodox attire in the ring, such as track
pants, sweatpants, and jeans. Regardless of the actual form said attire takes, it is often
referred to as "tights."
Time Honored Tradition, indicates when you put over or/and drop the strap on your
way out of a company or brand (retire or exploring options with another company). Vince
McMahon made that speech on a Taping of RAW in 1997 about Bret Hart seeking his
options on other avenues of Sports Entertainment (WCW move).
Titantron or simply Tron, a screen which is directly above the stage area of the arena
used for showing entrance videos, other segments, and promos. Named for the original
tron, the TitanTron, which was introduced as part of WWE's RAW set and was named
after the then-parent company of the World Wrestling Federation, Titan Sports. The -tron
suffix has since been used to unofficially identify other big screens used in wrestling.
Token Offense, meaningless offense a worker doing a job gets in during a squash or an
extended squash.
Tope, flying over the rope from the inside of the ring to the floor. [1]
Trademark, in the legal sense, a word, phrase, image, or other kind of marking can be
registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office as a trademark. The owner
of the mark, assuming it is valid, will then receive protection in perpetuity against anyone
else using that trademark (or a mark which is so similar that it could cause confusion in
the marketplace). Trademarks have been a source of controversy in wrestling because
wrestling characters, names, and catch phrases can be trademarked and owned by a
company instead of the wrestler utilizing it, which then bars them from using it
elsewhere. In older jargon, the term 'trademark move' was used more loosely, to refer to a
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BLOOD'N'GUTZ™
certain move that was associated with a particular wrestler. The figure-four leglock was
Ric Flair's patented move, even though he probably has no 'official' right of ownership.
Transitional Move, the way two wrestlers get from A to B in a match. A move used to
get from spot to spot. These moves are cues for the escalation of the brutality of the
subsequent moves in the match.
Transitional champion, a holder of a traditionally-short title reign which bridges two
"eras," long-running title reigns by usually-popular champions.
Turn, when a wrestler switches from face to heel or vice versa. [1]
o Hard Turn, is when a wrestler switch to heel or face in a sudden surprise plot
twist (swerve).
o Soft Turn, is a gradual switch to heel or face over an extended period of time.
Tweener, a morally ambiguous wrestler, neither a bad guy or good guy (an
inbetweener).[1] This term is also used to describe wrestlers who use tactics typically
associated with heels (i.e., cheating), yet are still cheered by fans in spite of (or because
of) these antics.
Two-and-a-half count, the count at which a wrestler is said to escape from a pinfall
when a referee's hand comes very close to hitting the mat for a three-count. Other
fractions are sometimes used for exaggeration or comedic effect--two and three quarters,
two and seven eighths, etc.
U
Undercard, matches prior to the main event. (See also Dark match).
Unification, the act of combining two championships into one; the result of which is
either an entirely new title or the consolidation of one title into another.
Up North, a term used to refer to the (Connecticut-based) World Wrestling
Entertainment or any other Northern-based promotion. (Compare Down South).
V
Valet, a female performer assigned to accompany a wrestler to the ring and put him over
in interviews.
Vignette, any piece of video footage featuring characters or events which is shown to the
audience for the purposes of entertainment or edification. Usually, they are meant to
either introduce a debuting character or to get a wrestler over before their TV wrestling
debut. In World Wrestling Entertainment, wrestlers rarely acknowledge that they are
being filmed, forcing the viewer to "suspend disbelief" as to why a camera operator
would be allowed to witness and record an intimate or secretive situation.
Vince's Philosophy, Vince McMahon's philosophy on doing live televised shows. It
states that "nothing can go wrong if it's live." For example, if a wrestler trips, he meant
to.
Virgin Market, refers to WWE marketing of TV tapings and house shows in Canada,
Asia, Europe, Australia, and where the money rate is not as strong as the U.S. cash flow.
Vocal Selling, when a wrestler makes sound to imply that he's hurt. (See Sell)
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BLOOD'N'GUTZ™
W
Weekend Warrior, someone who usually only wrestles independent shows on a
weekend due to semi-retirement or, more frequently, because they need to have another
job as they do not make enough money out of pro wrestling alone.
Work, a staged event, from the carnival tradition of "working the crowd." [1]
Worker, a wrestler.[1]
Worked Shoot, a scripted segment that takes place in a show with elements of reality
being exposed. It can also be a segment that fans are meant to believe is a shoot, but isn't.
Workrate, a wrestler's talent level.[1] When used by critics, it is an analysis of the action
in a match and the skill level exhibited. [1]
WrestleMania Caliber, a match at an event other than WrestleMania that is hyped up or
anticipated so much that it would typically be saved for that event. (Example: "Macho
Man" Randy Savage vs. The Ultimate Warrior for the WWF Championship at
SummerSlam 1992.)
X
X-Pac heat, when a wrestler receives negative heat (boos) not because his character is a
heel but because fans legitimately don't like him, or think that he is boring and should
stop wrestling. Named for the crowd reactions to X-Pac circa 2001.
X sign, a gesture made by the referee (crossing both arms) which indicates that an injury
is legitimate and medical assistance is required. However the X sign has been used in a
kayfabe context when the injury is not real, but is a worked shoot instead.
Z
Zamboni, A legit low-blow.
Zebraing, Legit punches.
137

Volume 2 - Professional Wrestling Holds

Transcription

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